The best thing about football!

Well…I’ve had a fantastic day today!   Forest’s bid to make the playoffs this season, took all the boys off to watch the match today….and with my youngest having a whale of a time with her grown up cousins (well, grown up to her at a big girl 10 and 12 years old)…I’ve had the whole day for crafting and chatting…yay! (what do you mean “what about the washing..?”).

It all started with a fabulous frame class with my upliner, Victoria, Linby, Shazza and Tracy.  Nice to meet you all, ladies.  So much fun!  And how impressive is Victoria’s stash!  It was like I’d died and gone to Stampin’ Up heaven.  Thanks for a fab morning, Victoria!  And I’m loving my frame…it’ll have pride of place in my soon-to-be craft room.
So straight from Victoria’s to Phill’s for a catch up…cos he’s been on
holiday….which was lovely!  Nice to have you back, Phill .

And finally, time to sit down and make a card for the ‘ Less is More’ challenge this week….it couldn’t get better!  So what better card to make then a “thank you”.  I'm entering this in the 'Just Add Ink' challenge too....this week we need to 'Just add a flower'.

I was inspired by the Stampin’  Up website for this.  It uses Cherry Cobbler as the card blank with a square of Crumb Cake (with distressed edges) as the backing to the greeting from ‘Just Believe’.  I’ve used sizzix leaves and have trimmed with gorgeous organza ribbon.

Thanks for the class, Victoria.  Thanks for the chat, Phill and thanks for the challenge, Mandi and Chrissie…..ahhhhh!  What a great start to the weekend.

BFN
Linda
x

May Open House–7th May 2011

I don’t get where the time goes!! It only seems like last week when we were anticipating the Mini Catalogue back in March….so it’s about time we had a look and a play with some of that lovely new stuff from said Mini….dontcha’ think! 

Now anyone can make a card….I think we proved that last time! LOL!  And since then, even my hubby has had a go!  It’s addictive!  So if you’re craft-curious this open house is for you...oh, and it’s a chance to catch up and have a coffee and a chat – not forgetting the biscuits.

Everyone is welcome but just so I know how many packets of biscuits to get, please let me know if you’d like to come.  For details, check my new Events page…

FYI – I made a housey card for the occasion using the Neighborhood jumbo wheel.  I’ve watercoloured the image, backed it onto Crumb Cake and trimmed it with Cherry Cobbler and DSP Patterns Paper.  Hope you like it.


BFN
Linda
x

Iddy Biddy Thanks!

My friend is throwing a party for her daughter who is turning a big girl 3!  And she wants to make little thank you notes for the party bags.  Soooo….

…a chance to use my Long Fellows!! Yay!  I’ve had these for while and have been waiting for the right occasion to use them!  Perfect for kiddy’s invitations or indeed Thank You cards.  I’ve teamed them with DSP Patterns in Bright colours and water coloured or paper-pieced the images.

Here’s the alligator.  He’s watercoloured  in Old Olive.

Here’s the pussy cat stamped on to Pumpkin Pie in Early Espresso, then cut out and layered on to the card.

And here’s the dog watercoloured in Soft Suede and Early Espresso.  Oh, forgot to say that the sentiment comes from Afterthoughts.

Both these sets are available as hostess gifts: Long Fellows is a level 2 set and Afterthoughts is a level 1.  To qualify for these sets why not throw a party and have a workshop.  Details are in the front of the Ideas Book (Just click the link in my sidebar).
So…I hope these inspire, even though they are simple and easy to make.  Remember, keep it CAS!

BFN
Linda
x

Orders by Friday...

Just a quickie to let you know I'll be making an order on Friday.  So if there is something you'd like from the Mini or the Ideas Book let me know by Friday 29th April 2011.

Don't forget also to check out the Crafty Six club.  It's a great way to spread the cost and earn freebies.

I love getting new stuff so I can't wait *girly hand clap*.

Nice and bright!

A nice easy card today…but how fancy does it look!  This is the popular double easel shape made from a DL card blank.  To make it score the blank as normal, then on the front half  mark and cut a perpendicular across the middle.  Score each of these sections diagonally from top outer corner to bottom inner corner and you’re ready to start the matting and layering.  Let me know if you need a template and I’ll email it to you.
I’ve matted and layered this using DSP Pattern Stack paper in Melon Mambo and Daffodil Delight card stock.  I’ve inked the edges using matching Melon Mambo ink and trimmed it with ribbon.  Now how about this for a tip…..having only whisper white ribbon, I’ve coloured it using my SU Daffodil Delight marker…you’d never have guessed, would you .
Hope you like it!
BFN
Linda
x

Bespoke birthday cards…

I’ve had a couple of requests recently to make special birthday cards.  Now I haven’t quite used all Stampin’ Up gear for these (I’m still building up my stash) but it just shows how you can mix and match.

The first card is for a work colleague to give to his missus!  She deserves a medal let alone a card….I have told him that, so I’m sure he won’t mind me sharing!  I’ve gone for a “Spoil yourself silly” theme. 

After picking the base card of Early Espresso, Color Coach from SU helped me to team it with Marine Blue and Tangerine Tango.  I’ve used Spot On jumbo wheel to give a bubbly effect and I’ve die cut flowers and inked them to match. I’ve also used a sponge to ink the edges of the image and greetings.

After a long day trekking around Pleasey and Hardwick Hall with the family to day I could do with one of those baths!  Oh my aching bones!  I’m going to enter this in the Less is More Challenge.  Their theme is ‘Off Centre’, not sure if this off centre enough, if that makes sense.  Is it too ‘balanced’ with the greetings?

Right…on to the next card, which I’ll be sharing tomorrow!  I’m determined to get back on track with my blog.  The ironing can wait!!

BFN
Linda
X.

My First Wedding Fayre!

Well, what a day! I’ve had such a good experience today at the Hucknall Wedding Fayre organised by Jess from FancyPants!  Quite inspirational!  Here’s a picture of my stall at the beginning…no pictures from the day cos I was quite busy, which was great .

I’ve had loads of fun meeting people today and all nerves disappeared as I got in to the flow of things….not bad for my first Wedding Fayre!   I actually did some demonstrating!!   It was just a fantastic day with lots of fantastic people who I hope to meet again!  It’s been fab to share the Stampin’ Up! Experience .

So to thank a couple of people who have helped make my first Stampin’Up Fayre a success…..

…..my lovely friend, Kelly, who gave up her Easter Day to give me a hand! (Oh and thanks to her other half who sorted their barbeque without her!) Hope you had a lovely evening. 

…my lovely friend, Jenny for all the morale support during the week!!

…and my lovely upliner, Victoria for all the pointers and the loan of banners, and favours, and samples.
You all made it so much easier.

So after the mayhem of all the preps for the fayre, I should be back to normal and sharing next week…..just as soon as I get through all that ironing I’ve been neglecting.

Happy Easter, everyone and enjoy the bank holiday!

BFN
Linda
X

Happy Easter to all you Good Eggs!

Well we’ve had a fantastic day today!! With this terrific weather we’ve been hill trekking and picnicking most the day and I can’t believe I’ve worn the kids out!  Maybe it’s the heat but they were glad to get home into the shade!
 .
I’ve been busy most the night sorting stuff for the Wedding Fayre on Sunday, but I’ve taken a break to make this card using “A Good Egg” Stamp Set to wish you all a Happy Easter!
I’ve used white, Real Red and Daffodil Yellow card, inks and DSP Patterns stack.  I’ve stamped the little flowers onto an A6 tent fold card and then matted white card on to Daffodil yellow, trimmed it with ribbon and adhered it to the front of the card with dimensionals.  I’ve stamped the cute chick three times…onto the white card, daffodil yellow and real red DSP paper. Then I’ve paper-pieced him together to give him some dimension.
I think he’s cute….and it was really easy and quick to make.





Here’s a close up of the chick:
I hope you like it….and I hope you all have a lovely Easter break!  Just hope I’ve got the energy to keep up with the kids!  Egg Hunt here…..we come!!!!
BFN
Linda
x

What have I been up to……

You may have noticed that I haven’t been around like normal (what do you mean you hadn’t noticed!).  So here’s the reason why….well, apart from the work thing!

I’ve been preparing for my very first Wedding Fayre!!  And amidst the panic, I’m soooo excited!!!!  Now, I don’t want to show too much at the moment, but here’s a sneak peak of some of my samples.

Not the best photo, I know…I’m waiting for the glorious sunshine tomorrow to take better ones.  These are DL invitations made using Simply Said, Pick a Petal and Just Believe stamp sets from Stampin’ Up.  I’ve trimmed them with ribbon, stickles and gems for a bit of bling.

 

 

And how blingy are these….and surprisingly easy to make!  I’ve used my Baroque border Stampin’ Up! wheel with Versamark and Stampin’ Emboss Powder (in gold and silver).  The heart is from I {Heart} Hearts and is absolutely perfect for weddings!

 

So if you’re anything like me…..why not pop over to the John Godber Centre, Ogle Street in Hucknall on Sunday (Easter Day) between 10 and 3 and have a nosey around the Wedding Fayre!  I absolutely love weddings which is probably why I’m so excited!

Hope you like them….

BFN
Linda
x

Busy, busy, busy…..

I know, I know!  No excuse!! But I’ll get it out the way now!  There is so much going on at the moment and the small thing of a day job keeps getting in the way! *sigh*

No worries….hopefully I’m back on track now!  But I’ve needed the time to think of a “card” for the Less is More challenge this week.  ACETATE!! Yep!Acetate! 

Hmmmm! Been thinking about this one since Sunday and I think many of the LIMettes are feeling the same!  You’re really challenging us this week, Chrissie and Mandi!

So here goes:

I’ve made this card using my Pick a Petal stamp Set from Stampin’ Up!  I’ve stamped petals on to smooth Rich Razzleberry card and DSP Patterns paper in Pumpkin Pie.  The Old Olive butterfly is a Sizzlet from Sizzix with an acetate overlay.

I’ve attached the Razzleberry petals on the front of the acetate and the Pumpkin Pie petals on the back.

To anchor the card, I’ve 3-d’d a greeting (from my new “Just Believe” Stamp set) on to the front of a Razzleberry base.

 

 

And if you was wondering about the pop-up mechanism for this card….that’s right….

 Acetate! 

 

 

 

 

 

And now for the close ups.

 

 

 

 

 

So, I hope you like it.  Feel free to leave comments….I love hearing from the LIMettes!

BFN
Linda
x

A Work in Progress…

So, after the success of the tapestry stamp cards I entered for Less is More challenge this week it gave me an idea.  Who said it you have to use tiny stamps!

So I got out my new mate, the Color Coach and my Simply Said stamp set and started to play.  Now they’re not finish…but I thought I’d share anyways:

On this card, I’ve used Cajun Craze, Marina Mist and Old Olive and stamped a sweeping curve on a 15cm square card blank.  My intention is to add an image in the corner I’ve left….just haven’t decided on the image yet!

 

 

I’ve done the same on this card using Real Red, Pumpkin Pie and Early Espresso.  Quite a different look using the same technique….don’t you think? 

Tapestry stamping, Stampin’ Up Style!

 

 

And just so you know what else comes with this set, here it is.

For more details and ideas on how to use this check out page 47 of the Ideas Book and Catalogue.

So I’ll come back to this when I’ve finished them….might even give it a go with the hearts!

Watch this space!!

BFN
Linda
x

Soft Suede, Crumb Cake and Marina Mist

It’s the perfect colour challenge because I have all three! Yay!  Fab find when I was blog hopping last night.  The challenge has been set by Cards and Things and is open til the 18th Apr so hop over and give it a go!

Here’s my entry:

I’ve just my Simply Said Stamp set and stamped Marina Mist on Crumb Cake, Crumb cake on White and Soft Suede on Marina Mist….I think! Or something like that at least .

I’ve finished it with a sentiment from the Afterthoughts Hostess set (available free with a qualifying order of £150 – check out the Crafty Six Club) and a little flower of crumb cake and Marina Mist.

So what do you reckon?  A flowery card for a fella?  I think that might just work….don’t you?

Thanks for looking

BFN
Linda
x

Love weddings?

Weddings are my favourite celebration!  In fact I wish I could get married again just for the thrill of it.  Might be one to consider for next year on our 10th anniversary….hmmm!
Tonight I’ve been playing!  Now I’m still building up my Stampin’ Up stash but with the few sets and things I have, it’s not difficult to get great results!  Especially with the colour pallettes they have!  I bet you’d even match Midnight Blue, Kelly .
So this is what I’ve made today (back to gloomy pics I’m afraid):

I’ve used Pretty in Pink as the colour on this invitation and used my Sizzix Bigshot to add a spotty texture to the bottom of the card.  I’ve added Stampin’ Up pearls to the centre of the flower to give them the “wedding” feel.  I’ve entered this card in the “Anything goes” challenge – Pearls.
The beauty of simple invites like these is that you could use any colour with it.

I’ve used Marina Mist in this card.
This invitation uses the Pick a Petal set to make sketchy flowers on a plain white card base.  I love my new stamp-a-ma-gig gadget! It’s ingenious and means I never have to stamp blind again!



And finally I’m back to my I {Heart} Hearts stamp set and Real Red!  This particular stamp just shouts wedding!!!  I think the clean  and simple style is perfect for weddings…and so easy to make with Stampin’ Up products .
Sooo looking forward to wedding season!!!  Let me know what you think…
BFN
Linda
X

One last card from the Crafternoon

Ok….I think I’ve milked the Crafteroon enough, so just one last card .  But isn’t it nice to have lovely bright pictures instead of the gloomy night shots *sigh*.  So here it is:

Once again, I’ve trusted in my Color Coach and its not let me down!  I’ve used all the hearts for this card.  Sentiment is from Heard from the Heart and the stamp is from I {Heart} Hearts.   The colours are Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette and Early Espresso.  I’ve back it with a white border, but used Stampin’ Up Dimensionals to make the hearts “pop”.  Again, a very clean and simple design but effective.
Now if you want a chance to be able to build up your Stampin’ Up collection, just check out the Crafty Six Club…but hurry because places are going fast!
Thanks for looking
BFN
Linda
X

Simple flowers

It’s been a glorious day today.  Hope you’ve all been out in the sunshine!  We’re well and truly done in!! But, after 3 hours of Playmobile , 3 or 4 tea parties for the babies and a bike ride round to nana’s and grandpa’s the kids are in bed and I have a minute to blog….only a minute mind, because an overtired 4 year old is keeping dad busy upstairs.

I made this card on my Crafternoon yesterday.  I’ve used a sentiment from Heard from the Heart and flowers in Early Espresso, Real Red, Baja Breeze, Pumpkin Pie and Regal Rose.  I’ve backed the flowers on to a border of Crumb Cake card and gone for the CAS look again!  I was really pleased with the look so I made it a couple more times…..

 

This one is a Baja Breeze card blank with Early Espresso, Crumb Cake and Regal Rose flowers, backed onto a white border to make them stand out…..

 

 

This one is an Early Espresso card blank with flowers made from the DSP Patterns stack in the Brights colours.  I’ve stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso onto a Crumb Cake border so the it shows up.

 

I might try variations on these this week….simple but fancy, I think. Let me know what you think.

Right, best get upstairs for hugs and calming down…not for me, by the way….the screaming, overtired 4 year old!!!

BFN,
Linda
X

Less is More challenge

I was really perplexed by this weeks challenge on Less is More.  It’s Week 10 and time for another one-layer challenge.  This time the sentiment has to be the focus of the card.   So after floundering around for a while and sitting with a card blank in front of me for a bit I remembered my new tapestry stamps and decided to give them a go.  So this is my entry:

The sentiment is from the Heard from the Heart Stampin’Up! set and I’ve let my new Color Coach pick the colours: Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and Melon Mambo (actually I added that one…but I think it works).

I was really pleased with how this turned out.  So much so in fact, I let Color Coach pick some more colours for me and made another one, this time with Old Olive (one of my faves), Marina Mist, Real Red and Cajun Craze!

Thanks for looking….I'd love to know what you think .

BFN
Linda
x

A Fabulous Crafteroon!

I’ve just spent a lovely afternoon with a couple of girlfriends making cards, chatting and giggling!  It’s what we do best!  Thanks, ladies!  I had a great time and  I think this might be out most successful one with no comedy cards!

I just wanted to say thanks before going to retrieve the family…but I’ll be blogging my entry for the Less is More challenge later!
Hope you can come back then .

BFN
Linda
x

Want free stamps and merchandise?

Well, who doesn’t!!  So here’s a clever way you can do it!

How about joining my virtual Crafty Stamper clubs!  This is a fantastic idea and a very clever way of building up your collection of Stampin’ Up products while spreading the costs across a number of months. 
Each month, one member receives a free hostess gift as the Virtual Hostess while another will receive the free merchandise of at least £15.  By the end of the club each member will have had the opportunity to choose a hostess gift and select at least £15 worth of free stuff!
So what do you have to do?

The Crafty Six :

To coincide with the release of the Mini Catalogue this month, this club runs for six months and requires members to agree to place a minimum order of £25.00/ month plus p&p (if necessary). 

Members can, of course, order from the current Ideas Book, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to build up your stash with lovely new Stampin’ Up! products from the Mini Catalogue!  Remember! It’s only available until September!!!

£25 per month from six members gives us an order of at least £150 which guarantees the virtual hostess a gift from the level one hostess stamp sets (from the mini or the Ideas Book) and another member £15 worth of merchandise. And the sooner we have six members the sooner we can get this club up and running – so don’t forget to let your crafty friends know.

It’s easy!! And hassle free as all members receive a free copy of the current Ideas Book and the Mini so all you have to do is choose your products and mail me your order once a month!  So start making your wish list now!!

If you would like to take one of the places or need any more info, let me know as soon as possible by mailing me at craftydistraction@virginmedia.com or calling me on 07808 471 372. 
Oh….forgot to say…there are only 5 places left in this club.  I want to get my hands on all that lovely new stuff from the Mini .

You can find all this information on the Crafty Stampers Page.

Hope to hear from you soon
BFN
Linda
x