Crafty Distraction

My Baby is Five!!

2011-12-13T09:32:00.001Z

*sigh*

They grow up so fast….but she’ll always be my baby!!

Yes, another Lili of the Valley. But their little girls are perfect for my little girl! Here’s a close up:

I’ve stamped the image on to the card blank first and then stamped, coloured and cut the little girl out and 3d’d her over the image. Yep, it’s a tried and tested formula :-).

I added a little poem for our Annie.

Well, she liked it….but was a little disappointed the Birthday Fairy wouldn’t let her open her present before school….mean Birthday Fairy! It’s almost like she knew there would be no chance of getting to school on time if she had :-).

I’m entering this in the following challenges:

Cute Card Thursday {Anything Goes}

Make it Monday {Linky Party}

Another go at TicTacToe

2011-12-06T07:22:00.000Z

I couldn’t resist another go on the Cas-ual Fridays Challenge this week.
This time I’ve gone for Scallops, Green and Stripes.

The stripes are just about visible behind the green and I’ve used scallops to under line the sentiment.
I really love this stamp for Polar Party….can you tell? The sentiment is from the Curly Cute stamp set which has a sentiment for most occasions. Check it out in the online catalogue in my side bar.
Hope you like it! I am going to try and give this stamp a rest now…..I don’t want to bore you all! But I do love it!
BFN
Linda
X

Top 3, WooHooo!

2011-12-05T10:47:00.001Z

Well, that's a lovely start to my week. I've just seen that my Footballer card made the top three at Lili of the Valley Thursday Challenge! Yay!

LOTV–Numbers

2011-12-05T06:56:00.000Z

Well, we had another party over the weekend, this time a little girl's and Annie had a fab time on the bouncy castle, having her face painted and playing with her little friends. It was a lovely affair :-).
So here’s the card we made for the birthday girl.

Here’s a close up of the image. It’s similar to the one I made the other week for Joseph, but I went with a more girly theme this time and used the iconic tiptoeing fairy. As you can see, I’ve cut her out, shaped her and 3D’d her on to the front of the card.
The image is computer generated, with each word done in a different font.
So…I’m entering this into the Challenge on Cute Card Thursday….I hope it counts! It is a number (5) just not a christmas count down.
I’m also entering this into the following challenges:
Lili of the Valley Thursday Challenge – {Anything but a Christmas Card}
BFN
Linda
X

CAS-ual Fridays: Tic Tac Toe

2011-12-04T10:30:00.001Z

Well, I couldn’t make my mind up for Tic Tac Toe on Cas-ual Fridays this week but finally decided on Green, Kraft and chevrons!

I struggled with the chevrons! Hope ric-rac counts :-). This image is from the Polar Party stamp set from Stampin’ Up! and this time I’ve blinged it up!

The sentiment is from the Contempo Christmas stamp set.

Check out the challenge….it’s a good one! Think I’ll be back later in the week!

Right…must rush! Off for a sunday crafty session now!

BFN
Linda
X

Simon Says….Anything goes!

2011-12-02T07:13:00.000Z

Morning all!

Don’t you just love snowmen? So easy to colour in *snigger*. And on that philosophy, here’s a quick christmas card:

I’ve stamped a line of trees using the Lovely as a Tree Stamp Set from Stampin’ Up and added some snow on the branches with my white gel pen (also from Stampin’ Up!). Then I’ve stamped an image of a snowman onto some white card, coloured it in, cut it out and 3D’d it to the front of the card after stamping the same image where I wanted it! There’s no way you can cut those spindly arms out!

Finally, I’ve used my SAMJ to position the greeting from the Contempo Christmas Stamp set perfectly!

I’m entering this in the Simon Says Challenge this week because over there this week, Anything Goes!

BFN
Linda
X

Christmas can finally begin….thank you!

2011-12-01T08:39:00.001Z

I know, I know! I’ve been making christmas cards for a while now, but lights up for Bonfire Night? Trees decorated in November!? I swear blind it gets earlier every year! But at least we can now say “ Woohooo! The countdown can begin!” So I strung this Advent Calendar for the kids this year.

It’s my daughter’s birthday on the 13th December so we have a rule not to decorate the house before then, so we can keep her birthday special and as unmerged from Christmas as possible. But everyone needs an Advent Calendar…..even if it only helps the panic set in as you realise you still have so much to do and so little time to do it in!! :-). Here’s a close up:

Anyways….these sour cream cartons are really easy to make. Drop me a line if you need the instructions.

With this calendar I’ve only used a glue dot in the centre of the bottom edge and I’ve left the top open. This is so I can put the treats in the top and the kids can easily pop the bottoms open. I’ve punched holes in the top edge to string them on to the cord. Hmm…hope that makes sense!

Hope you like it. I’m going to enter this in the following challenges

Make it Monday {Linky Party}

Fab N Funky {Anything Goes}.

Cute Card Thursday {Numbers}

BFN
Linda
x

Anything Goes Top 5 Woohoo!

2011-11-30T21:26:00.001Z

OK…so it might have been a random thing…but still! My sweet treats made the top 5 on the Anything Goes challenge….yay!

Kids Mini Christmas Cards

2011-11-30T10:51:00.001Z

Morning! I’ve been playing with the Polar Party stamp set from Stampin’ Up! And I’ve made a load of cards for the kids to give to their little friends.

I’m not complaining (much) but this sun doesn’t make taking pics easy! Might go back to gloomy night shots :-).

These stamps are great for kids. These are so simple you could even get the kids to make them :-).

I’ve stamped the images on to 3 inch cards and coloured them in.

I used my SAMJ to get perfect positioning for the greeting and finished them off with a little bit of sparkle.

I found making these really therapeutic…all 60 of them :-). I just hope they’re blingy enough for the Less is More Challenge this week. In hindsight, I probably could have blinged the trees a bit more….but seriously! 60 cards! I’ll save that for the bigger version :-)

BFN
Linda
x

A Big Bunny Thank you

2011-11-29T07:23:00.001Z

We had a bit of a bunny nightmare over the weekend. It looks like we accidentally left the rabbit hutch open and our bunnies decided to go exploring! Rocky, not being the adventurous type was just knocking around the garden, but Frank, being more of an explorer was long gone! After checking all the neighbours gardens and calling the vets we were just making some leaflets when we got the call….someone had taken him in to the vets! How lucky is that! So to say thank you to Lauren and Janie I made these bunny thank you cards.

I’ve had these stamps for ages. They are Joanna Sheen’s Messy Rabbit (I think!). They’re perfect for all bunny occasions :-). I coloured him in (just like Frank) and 3D’d him over a row of tulips.

The sentiment is from the Curly Cute Stamp Set from Stampin’ Up.

Needless to say, the hutch is now fortified with better locks. Frank and Rocky won’t be going walkabouts unsupervised again!

I’m entering these in to the following challenges:

Make It Monday {Linky Party}

BFN
Linda
X

LOTV Challenge Blog

2011-11-28T07:23:00.000Z

Ahhh! Sweet relief! It’s a work day! Yay!
That might seem strange but as this is my daughter’s first year at infant school we are currently in the throes of party, party, party! I’ve lost count of the number of cards I’ve made for her little friends! So I’m taking the opportunity to enter the LOTV Thursday Challenge with the latest card I’ve made for this week’s party…

The sentiment is computer generated using a different font for each word but here’s a close up of the footballer. I’ve cut him out and 3D’d him on to the front of the card. I’ve grounded him by drawing some grass under his feet.
Very simple, but surprisingly time-consuming…but the end result is worth it.
Thanks for looking!
BFN
Linda
X

Anything Goes–A Real Sweetie

2011-11-27T21:25:00.001Z

So I’m getting back in to my challenges and visiting my regular haunts and I’ve just seen the latest challenge on Anything Goes. They are looking for food related entries this week but since the challenge is titled ‘A Real Sweetie’ thought it quite apt to enter these little sweet treats I recently made for a craft fair:

I was gutted when these papers were on the retirement list from Stampin’ Up! I’ve made these using Jolly Holidays DSP and finished them off with a cute little heart button and a bit of twine.

These pouches are just so easy to make. They can be made out of any double-sided paper and suit all occasions: kid’s parties, Christmas, weddings. They never fail to please and my kids were disappointed when they sold so well….I’d promised them the leftovers!!

If you want to know how to make them drop me a line and I’ll email you an instruction sheet.

These next sweet treats require no instruction however. Using the same papers, I’ve wrapped a couple of candy canes together and secured with twine. Then using the penguin stamp from the Polar Party stamp set from Stampin’ Up!, I’ve made a cute gift tag. The kids are going to have to wait for these though….they make fab little stocking fillers!

I’m also entering these in the following challenges:

Free for All {Creative Craft Challenges}

BFN
Linda
X

Less is More: Bit of Bling

2011-11-27T11:26:00.001Z

Morning all! I thought it was about time I put everything else to one side and catch up on a bit of blogging! BUT….as the next kid’s party is looming, I’m gonna get straight to it and say…..I’VE MISSED YOU, LESS IS MORE!!!

So to celebrate my return to the blog world, I’m entering the challenge from Chrissie and Mandi….A Bit of Bling.

I think the bling is visible! Now this isn’t my usual thing, but I saw this poinsettia made using a leaf punch so had to give it a go! Here’s a close up:

So, I have lots to share because I haven’t blogged for a while…but silly season is about to start and I don’t know about yours but my diary is jammed with parties and plays and outings. Some might think I’d be lucky to have such a hectic social life…..only it’s not mine, it’s the kids! LOL!

I’m also entering this in the following challenges:

Holidays {2Sisters Challenge}
Sparkle {Totally Gorjuss}
Christmas {Papertake Weekly}

BFN
Linda
X

Woohooo! Christmas is nearly here….

2011-11-09T18:55:00.001Z

….let the craft fairs begin!! We’re furiously making cards for our first Christmas Craft fair (while furiously making wedding invitations too), hence the lack of a blog presence at the moment, but prepare yourselves….Christmas is here, wooohooo!

So to start with I’ve made a set of 5 cards using one of my favourite colour combos, Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler (stop it, Jenny!!!!)

I’ve used Stampin’ Up’s Contempo Christmas for the bauble and greeting and the swirl is from Wedding Sweet. I hope the pictures speak for themselves so I won’t bore you with details :-), just to say that these are 10cmx10cm and cute!!

Here’s a close up of the 3 different designs:

I’m entering this in the Papertake Weekly Challenge this week….rather aptly named ‘First Christmas’.

So…that’s Christmas madness started….back soon with more :-)

BFN
Linda
x

Colouring Pages are brill!

2011-11-04T07:21:00.001Z

Wow! It’s been a while, hasn’t it, since I last blogged but I’m not going to make excuses…..other than sometimes life gets in the way! Whoa, profound, eh?

Well, today is like no other. I’m still going at a million miles an hour….but today I have the added bonus of it being “NEC Day”!!! CFMF WHOOOOAAAA! I’ll be on my way shortly, girls (I’m the driver) and don’t worry….I’ll slow down, a bit!

So, just a quick share today and to shout….Colouring Pages are brill! I was a bit worried when a friend asked for a card for her great grandson, with the theme of farmyards and tractors. Nothing in my stash for that, but after a lot of pondering, I came up with this:

It’s a stepper card made with Crumb Cake CS and layered with Marina Mist and Certainly Celery DSP. Then I’ve printed, coloured and cut out the animals and tractor and added them to the different steps. Here’s a close up of the layers:

So, hope you like it. Now….off to the NEC!

BFN
Linda
X

A Very Bespoke Card!

2011-10-21T07:11:00.000+01:00

Another late entry to the Less is More challenge this week! We have to use a cocktail or something cocktail-like so that made me think about a very bespoke card a guy at work wanted…

Nice and simple cos boys don’t like fancy card (so they tell us)! I’ve made this using cream card and Early Espresso from Stampin’ Up! The champagne glasses are Sizzix and I’ve used stickles to sparkle it up :-).
The sentiment is computer-generated and very specific! “Happy Champagne Friday”. Very fancy!
So…
BFN
Linda
X

postEdit: Hmmmm!! It would help if I actually linked the post up, aye!! Whoops!

Quick and Easy Wedding Invitations

2011-10-14T19:12:00.001+01:00

Well…you may know that I love my wedding invitations! And Stampin’ Up makes it easy to create so stunning designs even for the tentative crafter!

I’ve made this simply by stamping hearts from the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set in Wisteria Wonder and Concord Crush on to Whisper White card, and then adding a sentiment from the Wedding Sweet stamping set.

This doesn’t just have to be for weddings though. I made this in the same colours but with a sentiment from Vintage Vogue this time:

I know…the picture is a bit wonky….but you get the idea. It doesn’t have to be difficult to be effective!!

Of course, you can get fancy and add a bit of ribbon, or the odd bit of bling, but I’ve made these for the OLC on Less is More! Can’t believe I’ve left it soo late! Hopefully I’ll just get my entry in, just before the new challenge tomorrow .

BFN
Linda
X

So many cards, so little time to blog…

2011-10-13T21:49:00.001+01:00

OMG! I haven’t stop this week…..since the Wedding Fair last Sunday it’s been all go!

It was lovely to meet so many new faces on Sunday. I’m looking forward to getting to know some of you and excited by all the wedding stuff! Can’t wait to have a go at invites with you! I’m posting yet another wedding card today:

It’s the lovely Lola Rose coupled with the beautiful Concord Crush (and a little bit of Wild Wasabi) from Stampin’ Up! My mum and dad recently returned from the States carrying some Martha Stewart contraband from my sister too! So this is the doily punch I’ve used to make the lacy border.

I’ve matted and layered the happy couple on to coordinating papers using Label 8 Nestabilities and embellished using punched out flowers so I think this card sits happily in the challenge on Anything Goes {Die cuts/punches or both}.

Right! I’m hoping to get back in to the swing of things now. So much to catch up on! I’m still trying to show you all my finished (well, nearly finished) craft space as well as prepare for workshops AND figure out what I want next from the new catalogue (Check out my side bar). So best get off and make a start!

I’m also entering this card in the following:

Papertake Weekly {3 different shapes}

Creative Craft Challenges {Congratulations}

One Stop Craft Challenge {Anything Goes}

BFN
Linda
X

Wedding Fayre Tomorrow

2011-10-08T21:00:00.000+01:00

Well….I’m just about ready! Just need to pack it all into boxes and I’ll be set!

So….just time to remind everyone that I’ll be at the :

John Godber Centre, Ogle Street, Hucknall
from 10am to 3pm.

It would be lovely to see you! I have special offers and lots of ideas for your big day so please stop by and ask for a demo!

BFN
Linda
X

Finally!! Ideas Book and Catalogue

2011-10-08T20:34:00.001+01:00

Evening all!! I’ve been flat out making preps for a Wedding Fayre tomorrow but I have finally managed to update my sidebar with the details of the new catalogue. No more mini catalogue either I’m afraid…but the new Ideas Book is jammed full of inspiration! Click the image above (or in my sidebar) to view online now!

BFN
Linda
X

Pink Daisies for a Wedding

2011-10-03T06:57:00.000+01:00

Today, I’m sharing a card I’ve made for a friend to give at a wedding. This friend will be getting married herself soon….so she’d best find her inner-crafter soon. We have invitations to make :-)

I’ve tried to use the colours and style of the invitation they received:

This is what I’ve made.

It’s very similar to one that I’ve made recently for another friend (you’ll find a link to a tutorial here), but obviously this is in the colours of the wedding. Here’s a side view:

I’ve embossed the side panels and added a computer-generated greeting with the names of the lucky couple to personalise it. I’ve made the flowers using the Sizzix Daisies die available from Stampin’ Up and the lovely bright Melon Mambo. I’ve added a pearl to the centre…it is for a wedding after all. Here’s a close up of the detail:

I’m going to enter this in the following challenges:

Anything Goes {Anything Goes}

Charisma Cardz Challenge {Love}

Fab n Funky {Make your own blooms}

Make it Monday {Linky Party}

2 Sisters Challenge {Fancy Folds}

Hope you like it.

BFN
Linda
X

Less is More: Brown Eyes

2011-10-01T18:57:00.001+01:00

Well I’ve spent a lovely afternoon with my nieces today. They’ve been making cards for their mum and I’ve been making a card for this week’s Less is More challenge. This week Chrissie and Mandi have challenged us to feature the colour of our eyes on a card. So I’ve had to go with brown….it’s the closest thing to hazel!

I’ve used the Just Believe stamp set from stamping in to make this rather vintage looking card.

I love this shape. It makes a nice change to make a card that’s not a square. Here’s a close up of the flowers. I’ve added a pearl to the centre of each flower to detract from the fact that they are brown flowers….LOL!

I’ve inked the edges of the leaves to make them stand out a bit.

So I hope you like it!

I’m also entering this in the following challenges:

Just Us Girls

Allsorts {5 Flowers or more}

Crafting For All Seasons {Autumn Colours}

Die Cuttin Divas {Shabby Chic or Vintage}

BFN
Linda
X

Something for Christmas

2011-09-27T18:34:00.001+01:00

It doesn’t seem right making Christmas cards when the sun is out, does it!? But I’m not complaining!! It’s absolutely glorious…..

I’ve made this with the comments from Chrissie (from the Less is More challenge) in mind…I think she was absolutely right! That sentiment does need to be not so in the corner! However, I’m not sure this card need another sentiment at all….LOL! I just can’t win with this sketch, Limettes!

This card does however show off the new stamp set from Stampin’ Up…it’s called Something for Christmas and I’ve used Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive colours…..very christmassy! The bottom sentiment is from the Contempo Christmas stamp set.

I’m also entering this in the following challenges:

Allsorts {Clean and Simple}

The Rainbow Lady {White Space}

Now I thought I’d best remind you that the Ideas Book and Catalogue 2010-2011 and the mini catalogue all come to and end at the end of September *sob*. There are links to the online books in my sidebar. I’ll be making one final order on the 29th September so if you’d like anything then please let me know by the end of Wednesday 28th September.

And with the introduction of the new catalogue I’ll be starting a new Crafty Stampers 6 Club. Yay!! I already have a couple of crafty stampers so if you’d like ‘join the club’ please check details on my Crafty Stampers page.

Right…I’m off to get crafty! Having visited my friend, Jenny, I feel inspired!! Check out her blog….she’s been very busy and has made some gorgeous cards! Awesome!

BFN
Linda
X

LIM : Sketch Week

2011-09-25T22:22:00.001+01:00

I can’t believe I’ve agonised for so long over this week’s challenge on Less is More! It’s a sketch….a simple, CAS sketch!

I think I was lacking the inspiration this week…but then it’s been a very trying (and busy!) week for the family this week!! We’ve had birthdays and parties galore. So apologies if it seems a little lack lustre! I’m sure Lady and Diva LIM throw these simple challenges at us to make us think!! Maybe I’ll have better luck in the week :-).

My intention was to make a masculine birthday card, potentially for the older generation and I think this could work. The image is from the Lovely as a Tree stamp set and the sentiment from Party this Way, both from Stampin’ Up! I’ve stamped and matted them in Early Espresso and used a bit of twine to decorate….very simple!! But I hope you like it!

I’m also entering this in the following challenges:

Allsorts {Clean and Simple}

Anything Goes {Anything Goes}

BFN
Linda
x

Goodbye Pick a Petal!

2011-09-21T22:05:00.001+01:00

Pick a Petal was one of the first sets I started with and I’ve used it soo much for all different occasions….from weddings to birthdays and so much more!

Alas, this set is retiring this year so there isn’t long to add it to your collection….just 9 days left!!

So to show you how easy and versatile it is I’ve been playing!

I’ve cased one of the cards that really made me smile when I saw it….I can’t remember where I saw it first but Victoria has put together a tutorial for Pick a Petal. You can find it on her blog – definitely worth a look. Or have a look at my previous creations using the label in my side bar.

Remember! This set is only available until the 30th September!!

I’ve had another go myself and made this cute and very CAS set of ‘Thank you’ mini cards:

I’ll tell you about this colour on a better show case….needless to say the new In-color palette from Stampin’ Up! is gorgeous (and includes a lovely lilac!)

Another beautiful new colour from Stampin’ Up! It’s a lovely marine turquoise colour….watch this space!

One of my favourite colour combinations: Old Olive, Cajun Craze and Nearly Navy.

I’m going to enter these in the Less is More challenge (again….we’re trying to hit 1000 entries this week), but I’m also entering these in the following challenges:

Make it Monday {Linky Party}

Anything Goes {Anything Goes}

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge {One Layer Card}

BFN
Linda
X

A CAS Christmas

2011-09-20T19:15:00.001+01:00

Well….after perusing the Less is More challenge I thought I’d best get my skates on and add some more towards the 100o entries challenge. Unfortunately I didn’t get round to blogging yesterday. It was Max’s actual birthday so it was pizza and movie night….with a lot of pop corn and chocolate!!

So…I have made a very CAS card today:

The greeting is from the Contempo Christmas stamp set and I’ve made the snowflake using a Martha Stewart punch.

So that’s another one towards the LIM goal! Why not hop over and have a look….it’s a great source of inspiration .

BFN
Linda
x

Thanks to Simply Stampin’ Challenge

2011-09-18T22:03:00.001+01:00

Woohoo! A top 3 from the ladies over on Simply Stampin’ Challenge!

Thanks, ladies….always makes my day.

LIM 1000!!

2011-09-18T21:13:00.001+01:00

I saw the ladies’ challenge to get one thousand entries on this week’s Less is More challenge yesterday….so it’d be rude not to help! A quick (and late!) post though. I’ve been busy having a party for my youngest boy. He turns 8 tomorrow! Alas the festivities could not last….and my youngest has now just decided she doesn’t want to go to bed!! *sigh*

Anyways…..dad can deal with that !

I have a quick card using one of my favourite stamp sets (yes, Jenny….I said my favourite *snigger*), Pocket Silhouettes.

A slightly skewwhiff picture, but it’s been a long day and Downton Abbey has just started!! I’ve stamped the silhouettes on to white, inked the edges and matted them on to Baja Breeze. I’ve then 3d’d them to the front of a 15cm square card and added a sentiment from Party This Way.

So…can anyone guess where I took this picture *claps hands excitedly*. Yep! My crafty room is finished and it’s beautiful! I’m not going to ruin it with gloomy night shots though….so I hope you’ll come back and check out my pics later in the week.

Right, off to watch Downton Abbey now with a lovely cup of tea! Bliss!

BFN
Linda
X

From one Pink Monster to Another….

2011-09-17T11:07:00.001+01:00

Morning all….

Just heading up to Darlington for my little niece’s birthday. She’s 5 today and her party starts at 3 so best get our skates on!!

I didn’t want to go without checking out the Less is More challenge this week though…and guess what? Lady and Diva Lim have an Anything CAS goes this week!! Yay!

I’ve made this lovely pink photo card for Emilia (that’s her in the pink. The other little monster is my Annie). I’ve embellished it with a little Melon Mambo dotty paper and a couple of cute monsters from the Make a Monster stamp set from Stampin’ Up…coloured in by Annie! I’ve finished it with a happy birthday sentiment from Curly Cute and the message inside…? “Happy Birthday to one Pink Monster from another”.

I think this is still CAS….even though it is very pink! It has Pink Space!

Right….off we go! More Craft Room updates later…..it’s taking much longer than we wanted it to! *sigh*

BFN
Linda
X

Flutterby Butterflies

2011-09-16T06:59:00.000+01:00

Ahhh…back to my favourites! BUTTERFLIES!!

I couldn’t not enter a card for the Simply Stampin’ Challenge this week. It’s Flutterby Butterfly!! Yay!!

I’ve punched Fancy Flowers out of Cherry Cobbler and layered them with More Mustard Boho Blossoms. I’ve stamped flourishes in Old Olive and adhered the flower to the corner of the card blank. I’ve stamped butterflies from the Butterfly Prints stamp set and punched them out using the matching punch. Stampin’ Up really make it easy as their products work together so well!!

Finally, I’ve added the sweet sentiment from the same set in the top corner and embellished the butterflies with some pearls. I love this CAS look!

I’m also going to enter this in the following challenges:

Flutterby Wednesday {Butterfly, fairy or Angel}

Allsorts {Flowers and Swirls}

Papertake Weekly {Things with Wings}

Cute Card Thursday {Anything Goes}

BFN
Linda
X

Goodbye Summer

2011-09-15T08:21:00.001+01:00

Morning all….

A quick card today for the challenge over on the Crafty Pad. It’s time to say goodbye to summer….*sigh*.

I don’t think it needs much explanation….other than to say I’ve used More Mustard and Early Espresso colours and Woodsy the Owl Punch…all from Stampin’ Up! I’ve embossed a background strip with swirls and stamped a flourish of autumn leaves.

I’ve finished this off with a ‘Happy Birthday’ sentiment so this fits with the challenge on Toptip Tuesday.

So…ask me if I made this card in my new craft area?

NO!!! But it’s getting closer!! Just got to wait for the rest of the shelves to be delivered!

I’m also entering this card in the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly {Things with Wings}

BFN
Linda
X

LIM–Seeing Double

2011-09-10T09:42:00.001+01:00

That’s certainly something I’m doing after staying up late to paint my soon to be craft room…..but before I start again, I had to make a card for the challenge on Less is More.

It’s a one layer week and Chrissie and Mandi’s examples on the blog are absolutely beautiful. So I’ve tried to make mine as fancy and used a bit of gold embossing powder to make this very simple Anniversary Card using a layout from a previous challenge (Pick a Square):

Now this picture really doesn’t do it justice, so here’s a close up of the image.

To do this, I stamped and embossed the gold heart then masked it before stamping the second heart in Early Espresso. Finally, I used my SAMJ to position the outline heart and stamped and embossed this. Here’s a quick tip to get lovely sharp embossing……baby powder! Each time I embossed, I dabbed baby powder over the card before stamping the image in versamark. Cunning, eh!

So back to my painting….I will have a craft area by the end of the weekend…I will!!

There’s a long way to go!!!

BFN
Linda
X

LIM: Metallic

2011-09-06T10:05:00.001+01:00

The Less is More challenge this week has been just that!! A challenge! It’s a colour challenge and the chosen colour is Metallic!! Hmmm….you might deduce from my late entry that I struggle with metallic stuff. And it’s taken a lot of thinking and a craft night with girl friends to come up with this card!

Hmmm…..metallic is clearly not my thing! But I do like the look of the baubles. I’ve punched mirri board with the Ornament Punch and embossed using Vintage Wallpaper, both from Stampin’ Up. I then used Stazon black and brown ink to “age” the baubles and give it a more realistic metal look. I’ve layered a white card blank with black card, inked with silver and 3d’d the baubles to the front. I’ve embossed the greeting in silver embossing powder and it would have looked even better if it was straight….don’tcha think?

I’m also entering this in the following challenges:

Make It Monday {Linky Party}

Bag yourself a bargain

2011-09-02T07:03:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, Stampin’ Up published this year’s retirement list and there are quite a few bargains. Click below to have a look and if you need to check the catalogue click the link in my sidebar.

http://204.228.150.61/docs/lastchance/en-GB/Availability_en-GB.pdf

I will be placing in order on Monday, 5th September so if you wish to order something please let me know by lunchtime on Monday. If you are in the Hucknall area or can pick your order up from me you can partake of my P&P, meaning no charge to you.

Now this is my first Stampin’ Up Retirement Experience, hence my eagerness to put in an order. It only lasts as long as the stock does and word has it, this stock goes fast!! Might be a good time to stock up on 12x12 card stock.

You can still order from the list after Monday but there will be a P&P charge of £4.95 to get it shipped directly to your address (*sorry!*)

So get shopping and just let me know.

BFN
Linda

LIM: Recipe

2011-09-01T08:26:00.001+01:00

Fresh back from a Bank Holiday break, I see I’ve nearly missed a really good challenge over on Less is More this week. Oh well, better late than never as they say.

This week Lady and Diva LIM have set us a recipe to combine three previous challenges so I have gone for A Touch of Red, Embossing and White on White.

Back to an old favourite, I’ve used Beautiful Wings (all in white, except the one in Cherry Cobbler) for the butterflies and Perfect Polka Dots to emboss the background. I guess I could have picked Ribbons or buttons too, as I’ve trimmed it with Whisper White ribbon and added a fancy bow.

I wish I had more time to play around with this challenge….the combinations are endless, but alas I am embarking on a new challenge this week and next. Yep…I’ve taken the week off to get the kids settled in to school….and decorate the whole of the downstairs!! Starting with creating a craft station in my utility room!! Watch this space :-)

BFN
Linda
x

Crafty Mates

2011-08-26T12:55:00.000+01:00

Today I’m sharing something made by my very creative friend, Helen. She recently bought the Brights DSP and card stock and not only did she make a stack of very colourful christening invites for her baby boy (and his cousin) she also decorated Noah’s room with them!

Cute teddy too .
And here’s a close-up. A fab advert for Stampin’ Up stash, don’t you think!! Not just for making cards, see!!
Thanks for sharing, Helen. I look forward to seeing more of your creations and ideas.
And if anyone else wants to share their Stampin’ Up successes, just send me a pic.
BFN
Linda
X

Dies to Die for….

2011-08-25T08:59:00.001+01:00

A very quick post today…..another day full of appointments so I’m in a rush…..can’t remember the last time I wasn’t in a rush! LOL!

I’ve gone with another christmas card…..it’s an obsession like the butterflies all over again! I’ve used Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler with the Jolly Holiday DSP to make this simple design.

I’ve stamped the image and sentiment from Contempo Christmas stamp set and edged it in cherry cobbler to give it a “vintage” look .

I've used Sizzix Daisies and Little Leaves from Stampin’ Up to create the flowers and added a button centre. I’ve been die-ing to use my new Sweet Buttons embosslit!

Finally I’ve blinged the image, glossed the buttons and added a little twine bow to finish it off!

So I hope you like it. I’m entering this card in the Papertake Weekly challenge this week where you have to use dies.

BFN
Linda
X

CAS-ual Fridays : Embossing

2011-08-23T08:11:00.001+01:00

I don’t usually make cards this size, but inspired by Stampin’ Melissa (as seen on Ebay) I’ve created this card using the Just Believe stamp set for the challenge over on CAS-ual Fridays : Embossing.

The image is the perfect size for an A6 card. I’ve used Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake and Early Espresso. To give it a vintage look, I’ve embossed the backing using Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder and inked it over. I’d forgotten how easy this set is to use….

I wasn’t the only one making cards yesterday. Max was very busy making cards for his dad and me too. Very cute they are too!

BFN
Linda
x

LIM: Things that move!

2011-08-21T12:10:00.001+01:00

Well I can’t believe how long it’s taken me to get my entry sorted for the Less is More challenge this week. It seemed so simple….Things that Move. I have anything with wheels and the whole animal kingdom to play with but I’ve been fixated on making a moving card!! Alas…it wasn’t to be. But Sunday, being a new day, I’ve been hit with the inspiration stick…..and the googly eyes came out!

Yay!! I’ve made the little owls using the Two-step Owl Punch from Stampin’ Up! And the colours I’ve used are Crumb Cake owls with Early Espresso, Marina Mist and Tangerine Tango chests.

So as I was putting this together, I had another idea to make my card move….I added a paper spring behind the flying owls! Sorted. Owls that fly and googly eyes that move!

And now I’m happy . Enjoy your Sunday afternoon.

I’m also entering this in the following challenges:

Simply Stampin’ {Punch it Up!}
The Spotted Chick {Krafty Thursday – used a little bit of kraft }

BFN
Linda
X

CAS Sketch

2011-08-20T12:18:00.001+01:00

Wow! Who’d have thought it would take so long to get back into things after a holiday!! It is true what they say….you do need a holiday to recover from a holiday!!

Anyways….I was scooting around a few challenges last night looking for inspiration and decided to give the Clean and Simple Stamping sketch a go and because they are sponsored by Jingle Belles this week….another excuse to use my Stampin’ Up! Christmas stash!

I’ve used Lovely as a Tree and Welcome Christmas to make the image by heat embossing it using Versamark ink and clear embossing powder. I’ve used dazzling diamond to add a bit of snow to the image.

The greeting is from Contempo Christmas and I’ve heat embossed it in the same way.

I’ve matted and layered the image with Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive textured card and 3d’d this onto Jolly Holiday DSP.

I’ve matted the greeting on to Cherry Cobbler and made it into a tag which I’ve tied to the side of the card.

So now I’ve started, I’m gonna find it hard not to keep making Christmas cards!! I love it! .

I’m also entering this in the following challenges:

CAS-ual Fridays {Embossing}
Craft Us Crazy {Anything Goes}

Hope you like it.

BFN
Linda
X

Home Sweet Home!

2011-08-17T07:13:00.000+01:00

Oh…I’ve missed this! So glad to be home and able to sit down and get back to crafting after taking some time off with the hubby and kids! It was a bit longer than I expected, having managed to pick up a stomach bug too. But what a challenge to come back to on the Less is More blog this week. It’s an inky, one layer card challenge this week….and it certainly has challenged me!!

So here’s my fourth attempt! I’m not going to bore you with how the first three went wrong, needless to say it was silly and messy but I’m happy with my final offering (even if the photo is a bit ropey!!).

I masked off the edges of an A5 card and used a brayer to ink a Melon Mambo and Perfect Plum background. I had to search for them, but I found my lavinia stamps in my stash and stamped my favourite moon fairy and willows. Of course…being a OLC I couldn’t paper piece the moon, so I have used my white gel pen to colour it instead. I’ve finished the image with a bit of dazzling diamonds and doodled a frame around the edge…hmmm! Not sure about the frame, but I couldn’t face a fifth attempt!!

So, a difficult one to come back with, but I hope you like it.

Hopefully I’ll be back up to speed with my card making soon….in between all the school uniform buying, washing, ironing and name tagging *sigh*.

BFN
Linda
X

Christmas in August

2011-08-06T09:47:00.001+01:00

Woohoo! What better way to celebrate the return of the good weather then with a Christmas card!! Having just received my new stash from Stampin’ Up it was the first thing I thought of when checking the Less is More challenge this morning. This week we need to use the colours of our country’s flag…so for me that’s red and white.

I’ve used an image from Welcome Christmas and a sentiment from Contempo Christmas in Poppy Red. I’ve matted and layered the image using nestabilities and trimmed the card with 3 different ribbons from my stash….and I think the sentiment says it all really.
Hope you like it .

I’m planning to do a Christmas class towards the end of August. I WILL get round to sorting this….honest!!! But this week I’ll be out and about with the kids. Lots of day trips planned and not much time for crafting ….boooo!!!

Enjoy your week….

BFN
Linda
X

Girlie Monsters

2011-08-04T07:48:00.001+01:00

Ok…I made this card to show Annie that monsters can be girls too (and it gave me an excuse to use my Make a Monster stamp set too).

I’ve stamped the monsters onto Whisper White and coloured in according to my colour scheme. I’ve matted this on to Rich Razzleberry and added a block of spotty DSP to the bottom half to match. I’ve wrapped this with Whisper White ribbon and stuck the whole thing to a 15cm square card blank. I’ve created a computer-generated sentiment and 3D’d this over the ribbon, adding a bow to one side.

Now…how can you tell these are girlie monsters? Well, apart from the fact they are very girlie colours….how many boy monsters do you see with flowers in their hair or wearing pretty jewellery!! See – obviously Girlie Monsters .

I’m entering this card into the following challenges:

Allsorts {Last Week of Free and Easy}

Make it Monday {Linky Party}

Hope you like it

BFN
Linda
X

Top 3 at The Crafty Pad

2011-08-04T01:06:00.001+01:00

Yay! Can’t help but shout when I receive a Top 3 award….makes my day!!

The lovely ladies over at the Crafty Pad have selected my Slice of Life cards for their Top 3….woohoo!!

You can see my entries here.

Linda

Nice and Simple Happy Birthday…

2011-08-03T08:02:00.001+01:00

Morning all….isn’t this weather gorgeous! I know I always get excited by it…but you can get lots of washing dry!! That’s so exciting for me!! Yes…I know….I must get out more!!

So…I made a card fro my little girl’s friend last night. She is turning four soon. I wanted to use my Make a Monster stamp set, but Annie pointed out to me that girls don’t really like monsters. Not even monsters with flowers in their hair *sigh*. So we went with my good ol’ favourite……butterflies!!

I’ve cut a big ‘4’ out of Melon Mambo DSP and matted it on to Pretty in Pink CS. I’ve 3D’d this on to a 15cm square card blank and simply decorated it with butterflies made in Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo and Tempting Turquoise using my Beautiful Wings Embosslit (available from the mini catalogue). Annie thinks Lexi will love it . Right, best get my washing out and off to work!

I’m entering this in the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly {Anything Goes}

Cupcake Craft Challenge {How old…?}

BFN
Linda
x

Wedding Card

2011-08-01T14:51:00.001+01:00

Ok…I know the only thing Stampin’ Up about this card is the colour Melon Mambo and a bit of dazzling diamonds, but I had to share this with you…..I’m quite proud of it!

I love this shape. It’s a centre stepper card – such a sturdy design. I’ve based this on the tutorial on SplitCoast here. The image is from Pink Petticoat and the paper is Papermania (I think!).

I made for this a friend who is off to a wedding soon. I did add the names of the happy couple on the left side too for that added extra personal touch.

The flowers are made using the woodware cherry blossom stamp and I’ve layered them up and shaped them to give them dimension.

I’ve finished it off with a touch of dazzling diamonds in the centre of the flowers and on the brides outfit.

So hope you like it .

I’m entering this in the last Free and Easy week over on the Allsorts Challenge.

BFN
Linda
X

LIM : Feeling Fruity!

2011-07-30T14:58:00.001+01:00

Well….Chrissie and Mandi have really challenged me this weekend on the Less is More Challenge: Feeling Fruity….I don’t know about you guys!!

After a fruitless search of my stash though, I’ve settled on a bit of Punch Art. I only have the Cheers to You set that Mandi has already used….I may give that a go later!

I made two cards because I couldn’t decide where to put the sentiment….

This was my first one. To make the strawberry I’ve punched a heart from Real Red card stock and stars out of Old Olive. I’ve embossed the heart using Perfect Polka Dots and cut the stars in half to make the spiky leaves. used Real Red for the strawberry.

The sentiment is computer-generated on to Whisper White using the Fabulous 50 font….I can’t stop using it! It is what it says…Fabulous!

Finally, as you can see in the photo, I’ve layered the image on to Basic Black and stuck on the front of a 15cm square card blank.

On my second card I’ve made a topper using the scallop trim punch and a bit of gingham ribbon from my stash. This time I’ve made the image central but I’ve made the strawberry in exactly the same way.

Right! Off to meet my visiting family from Darlington.

Back tomorrow…hopefully!

BFN
Linda
x

Get Well Soon, Jen!!

2011-07-28T07:50:00.000+01:00

You don’t know how good your mates at work are until they aren’t there, do you! My friend, Jenny is at home waiting to hear about an operation she needs to have. So I made her a card…..but forgot to take it when we went to see her on Monday!! *sigh*

Jen is my crafty partner and together we make and sell cards at our office. In her (and mine) absence last week our craft-curious friend Louisa had sweetly sent a ‘get well soon card’ round the office for people to sign to send to Jen. Of course, unbeknown to Lou the card she selected was one Jen herself had made. So it amused Jen that we actually sent her her own ‘Get Well Soon’ card!

Anyways, I made this card as a voucher holder. Louisa made a collection and to stop Jen going stir crazy we sent her a voucher for some crafty stuff!

I’ve used the Hopeful Thoughts stamp set, colouring it in with my Stampin’ Write markers. The sentiment is from the same set. I’ve embossed Early Espresso using Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder and tied ribbon down the side. I’ve actually coloured Whisper White ribbon with my marker so it’s a perfect match for the blue.

So Jen….this is what you should have got Monday! Hope you like it! AND GET WELL SOON! Work is just dull without your mates around you.

I’m entering this card in the following challenges:

Anything Goes {Flowers}

The Crafty Pad {Embossing Dry or Heat}

2 Sisters Challenge {Anything Goes}

BFN
Linda
X

DID YOU KNOW….?

2011-07-27T20:33:00.000+01:00

….the new Stampin’ Up Catalogue and Ideas Book is on its way!!! YAY!! New stuff!

In October, the new Stampin’ Up Catalogue will be released and to coincide with its release I’ll be starting a new Crafty Stampers Club. To sign up please let me know before 1st September 2011 so I can get the catalogues ordered. This club will be busy so it will be on a first come first in basis :-).

As a member of a Crafty Stamper Club you will receive a copy of the catalogue and any mini catalogue released during the length of the club. For a £15/month commitment, the club will last for 1o months – one month of which you will receive the hostess benefits. It’s all good stuff!!

For more options, visit my Crafty Stampers page .
(FYI – details and benefits might change slightly, but the minimum commitment will still be £15/month).

So don’t forget…..to sign up for the new Catalogue Crafty Stampers club, drop me an email at craftydistraction@virginmedia.com or call/text me on 07808 471 372 before the 1st September.

BFN
Linda
X

Bright and Easy

2011-07-27T07:19:00.000+01:00

I looked at my post yesterday…it was rather blue! So today I’m in the pink! Could this be any brighter? :-)

I’m using the Slice of Life Stamp Set again, available as a hostess gift when you have a workshop worth £150 or more.

I’ve used Melon Mambo and Daffodil Delight…with a little Baja Breeze….for the colour combination. I’ve stamped the cake onto whisper white and paper pieced the icing. I’ve then 3D’d this on to circle of textured card and matted that on to Melon Mambo. I’ve used the scallop trim punch to make the border in Melon Mambo, trimmed with Daffodil Delight spotty paper. With a sentiment from Curly Cute…that’s card complete!

Bit brighter than yesterday, don’t you think?

I’m entering this card in the following challenges:

Allsorts {Anything Goes}

Make it Monday {Linky Party}

Paper Cutz {Anything Goes}

Totally Gorjuss {Punch or Die}

Bling it On {Anything Goes}

BFN
Linda
X

A Slice of Life

2011-07-26T09:14:00.002+01:00

Hmmm….right now I’m sitting here with mud up my arms and under my nails just before setting out to work because my eldest son wanted to put his new tent away to take with him to his cousins house today! *sigh* Why do they always pick the most inopportune times to do anything!!!
Anyhow…I made a couple of cards from the Slice of Life Stamp Set last night but wanted to wait til today to photo them. I think they’re cute…

This first one uses the flowers from the Slice of Life set and Elegant Wallpaper embossing folder. The greeting is from the Party This Way set. I’ve used Baja Breeze as my colour and paper pieced the vase using scraps of paper from Elegant Soiree DSP. I’ve finished it with Whisper White ribbon tied in a knot.
This second one uses the baby grow from the Slice of Life set. I’ve stamped it five times on to card stock and Baja Breeze DSP papers (can you see a theme here!!). I’ve used the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder on Whisper White to create the background and matted it on to Baja Breeze cs before sticking to the card front. I stamped the baby grows along the front of the card, using my SAMJ for positioning and then 3D’d alternate ones. Hmm…not the best photo, but you can get what I mean.
This set is available as a Hostess gift when you host a party to the value of £150. If you’d like to host your own party, just drop me a line :-).
I’m entering these cards in the following challenges:
The Crafty Pad {Embossing dry or heat}
2 Sisters Challenge {Anything Goes}
Allsorts {Free and Easy July}
Crafty Us Crazy {Anything Goes}

Bargains at Ikea

2011-07-23T21:56:00.001+01:00

Yes…I know! You can go round Ikea and pick up lots of things at £1 or £2 get to the checkout and have spent 50 quid…..but I had to share these jars!! At just 95p each I bought them and filled them with my ribbons!!!

They’ll look great in my craft room. Now all I need is a craft room .

BFN
Linda
X

LIM: Button or Ribbon

2011-07-23T14:19:00.001+01:00

Afternoon all! No doubt you’ve all seen the new challenge on Less is More. This week us Limettes need to use a button or ribbon on our card so here’s my first entry this week – using ribbon!

It’s given me a chance to use the Hopeful Thoughts Stamp Set from Stampin’ Up! I’ve stamped the tree in Early Espresso and the sentiment in Cajun Craze, matting the image on to Early Espresso (with a scalloped trim) and added a coordinating ribbon using my bow maker to tie the bow like Chrissie. I’ve then 3D’d it on to Cajun Craze stuck the image on to the front of a 15cm square card blank.

I think it’s missing a bit of glitz…but I’m not sure where to add it! I might bling the branches with a bit of copper stickles….what do you all think?

Thanks for looking….I’m off to check out the other entries now.

BFN
Linda
X

More than one fold

2011-07-22T10:24:00.000+01:00

Morning all! It’s been a while since I’ve made a morning post! I actually made this card last night….inspired by Phill’s class….but waited for the morning to take the pics!

To make the card I’ve cut an A3 sheet of card in half lengthways. I’ve measured along the long side and scored and folded at 14.5cm and 29cm. I’ve then folded the front flap back on itself to create the front step part of the card.

I’ve matted Baja Breeze card with the Elegant Soiree papers from Stampin’ Up!, using two different patterns to give a contrast. The image (one of my favourites from Lotv) is matted onto baja breeze too and then 3d’d on to the back fold of the card. I’ve coloured Whisper White ribbon using a Stampin’ Write marker to get the exact Baja Breeze colour and tied this to the top of the back fold.

I’ve used the scallop trim punch on Baja Breeze CS and stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso. The ‘Congratulations’ sentiment is from the Curly Cute stamp set. This is a brilliant set because the sentiments are a good size and include ‘Thank You’, ‘Season’s Greetings’, ‘Happy Birthday’ and ‘Thank You’. Well worth its £16.95 price tag. Finally I’ve embellished it with some cute little flowers.

So…all in all, quite a simple card to make….but it looks very elegant!

I’m entering this card in the following challenges:

Anything Goes {More Than One Fold}

Papertake Weekly {Getting Cute}

Toptip Tuesday {Shaped Cards}

Make it Monday {Linky party}

Thanks for reading

BFN
Linda
X

WooHoo! Summer holidays are here!!

2011-07-20T21:41:00.001+01:00

Well…they will be after tomorrow! And we’re definitely ready for them! Can’t wait! We’ve been soooo busy, I know the kids will be glad of the break!!

Here’s the finished teachers cards and presents:

This is for my eldest boy who is off to BIG school next year! Yep, Year 7 (or 1st year seniors to most of us!). He’s sooo looking forward to it….and I’m dreading it! *sob* My little boy is growing up!! I think it’s Year 7 when you start becoming an embarassment to them….he assures me he will still talk to me when he sees me though .

I’ve used Wasabi Green and Early Espresso colours to make the card and added a little “Charlie” using the ‘All in the Family’ Stamp Set from Stampin’ Up!

My little middley is changing schools too! He’s moving up to juniors and is fast becoming Mr Independent! I asked him what he was going to write in his card. He said “To Mrs Fish, from Max”. He’s a boy of very little words!

I added a acetate window to the bird house for this one, and a velcro fastener on one side of the roof. I don’t want them to be destroyed when trying to get the chocs out afterall!!! Again, I’ve used ‘All in the Family’ again to make a mini Max. I’ve 3D’d his shirt and tie over the pair of trousers to make him slightly shorter than his brother above! I’ve then 3D’d the image to the top of the card to give it dimension.

And finally my youngest and pinkest! Annie is actually changing schools. But Annie was Miss Independent the day she was born! She’s going to be fine, even though she’s leaving nursery and moving to the same school as Max (‘big’ school) in September. It makes for easier logistics but we’re going to miss the nursery! She’s loved every minute of it there and she’s loved being in Mrs Wyatt’s class. I do hope these make it to Mrs Wyatt though. It’s taken me all my time to stop Annie eating them all!! Bless!

Again, I’ve used ‘All in the Family’ but have paper pieced mini Annie a pink dress. I’ve 3D’d the image over a strip of card and ribbon, and tied a little bow to the side.

So hope you like them! I’m entering the cards in the following challenges:

Allsorts {Free and Easy July}

Creative Craft Challenge {3D It }

Everybody Art Challenge {Dots}

BFN
Linda
X

More Circles!

2011-07-17T12:38:00.001+01:00

Well, as I mentioned last night, I spent the evening making this card – just one card!!! Like my card yesterday, this card also morphed several times before I was “happy” with it. I’ll let you be the judge as to whether it works or not!

I’ve used lots of my Stampin’ Up stash to make this! Firstly I cut a circle from Marina Mist and rolled some Funky Trees across the middle in Old Olive. I then added some DSP stripey Old Olive paper to the bottom half of the circle and matted the whole thing on to a bigger circle embossed using Perfect Polka Dots. On a separate piece of card I rolled some houses using the jumbo Neighborhood wheel, coloured it in and cut it out. I then 3d’d this on to the front of the circle. I finished it with a Cherry Cobbler scalloped trim and embellished with little flowers to follow the challenge sketch over on Mojo Monday this fortnight.

So what took me all night? Well, I tried masking and inking the sky….didn’t like it! I tried paper piecing the roof of the house….it looked messy! The rolling took a while to get right….I really need to invest in the Stampin’ Up roller guide! And finally…I was watching the Sky Premiere ‘Devil’ while doing this!! Had to keep stopping and rewinding it to see what I had missed!! LOL!

Got there in the end though. I’m entering this in the following challenges:

Mojo Monday Challenge {Sketch}

Less is More {Circles}

Cute Card Thursday {Going Round in Circles}

Thanks for looking

BFN
Linda
X

WooHoo!! Top 3 from Simply Stampin’

2011-07-17T00:51:00.001+01:00

Just a quicky! I’ve spent all night making a card but I’ll share that tomorrow!! I’ve just settled down to do a bit of blog-hopping and…..

I MADE THE TOP 3 AT SIMPLY' STAMPIN’!!!!! YAY!!! They liked my little birdhouses.

OK….time for bed!

LIM: Circles!

2011-07-16T18:57:00.001+01:00

I can’t believe it’s taken all day to decide on my design for the Less is More challenge this week!! And this isn’t how it started out! But I think it
works.

This actually started life as a New home card, my plan being to arrange the circles along the bottom of the card with a house image at the end. However, the more I played with it the more it started to look like a…..caterpillar! So it morphed and became the card above…well, after the third attempt!! Not gonna bore you with the detail (I screwed up the sentiment first time then made it upside down on the second attempt but don’t tell anyone!!!).

So, this is just a load of circles punched out of the spotty Brights DSP arranged and inked to make them stand out. I used the facial features from the Make a Monster stamp set from Stampin’ up but had to draw the nose in feehand (apparently monsters don’t have noses!!). I then made a grassy fringe out of some stripey DSP paper and nestled the caterpillar into the grass. Finally I added a sentiment – it was a toss up between “Get Well soon” or “Happy Birthday” but as my eldest pointed out….you get Caterpillar birthday cakes so why not a Caterpillar card.
Hope you like it .

I’m also entering this card in the following challenges:

Cute Card Thursday {Going Round in Circles}

BFN
Linda
X

Have a Hoot!!

2011-07-13T14:53:00.001+01:00

Ok…I know…just like the butterflies, I’m now obsessing with Owls! But I just love this punch from Stampin’ Up!

He lends himself to sooo many occasions….and he’s sooo simple to use (as I prove here!).

Here I’ve used Early Espresso and Baha Breeze as my colours (with a little bit of Cherry Cobbler for his chest and Old Olive for the leaves). I’ve simply softened the edges of the DSP Baha Breeze spotty paper by inking it with Early Espresso and stuck it flat onto the card. I’ve sat Woodsy on a branch and 3d’d a computer-generated sentiment (using Fabulous 50’s font that Jenny over on Crafting in the Country has used this week) in the top corner. I added a twist of ribbon behind the sentiment to add a bit of interest.

So a NAS card . Hope you like it.

I’m entering this in Simon Says Challenge this week….Anything goes!!!

BFN
Linda
X

9 Days to school holidays…woohoooo!

2011-07-11T22:43:00.001+01:00

So I thought I’d get a jump on the ‘Farewell and Thank you’ presents for teachers. This year, all my children are moving schools. From juniors to comp, infants to juniors and nursery to infants! *sniff* They grow up so fast!!

So I’ve been working on these for a couple of days but still haven’t quite finished them but I’m sharing anyways. I got the idea after seeing the product from Phill Martin’s mini craftathon from last month. He made a birdhouse using a Polkadoodles template. Perfect for holding chocolates!! Here’s my take on it:

Cute, aren’t they!

They aren’t quite finished….still need to stick the roofs on (after the chocolates are in) and bling them a bit, but you get the idea. I’ve made these using Early Espresso as the base and matting them with DSP in Wasabi Green, Real Red and Baja Breeze. Oh..and don’t forgetting Woodsy (as I think they call him in the States), the iconic Owl from Stampin’ Up! I love him and have such big plans with him.

I’ll be running a class on 20th August using Woodsy as the subject. He’s soooo versatile. I’ll work the details out and post it on my Events Page but please let me know if you are interested (no obligation!!). Places will be limited as the class will likely be at my house.

I’m entering these in the following challenges:

Allsorts Challenge {Free and Easy}

Simply Stampin’ {Anything but a Card}

Cupcake Challenge {No.9 Spots and Dots} (you get to pick one of 150 challenges on Cupcake this week!!)

Make it Monday {Linky Party}

Come back soon to check out the Teacher’s gifts

BFN
Linda
X

LIM: Some thing with Legs OLC

2011-07-09T12:54:00.001+01:00

I love these one layer challenges! And they really are a challenge! It takes me ages to figure something out for them but today I settled on using Wedding Wheels stamp set from Stampin’ Up!

Here’s the process I went through and the reason I’m covered in ink! I started using post-it notes to mask off a square….my masking didn’t work! I’d left gaps (all be them very slight) in between the post-its so that kinda ruined the effect.

So this is my second attempt. I made a template using my nesties. I cut a circle from the front of a 15cm card blank. I then sandwiched another card in that template and secured it to my desktop with post-its. This gave me my window to work in. After stamping the image (using my SAMJ* to position it), I inked the window using Marina Mist, Pacific Blue and Night of Navy, getting darker towards the edges. (Here’s a quick tip: because I’ve not used Whisper White, by using my SAMJ I could get a clear image by stamping over it several times on some not so smooth card!!!)

So then I removed the template and doodled a line for the ~~tightrope~~ ground (but you have to admit, it does look a bit like a circus act…LOL!). The ‘Congratulations’ is from the Wedding Sweet stamp set.

So what do you reckon? I think I’ll try this again with a bit more ground but it definitely sticks to the Less is More look .

And I’m not the only thing that got inky while making this card. Annie was left to her own devices…hope it comes off before her show at the school carnival at 2pm!!

I’m also entering this in the following challenges:

Cupcake Craft Challenge { Single Layer }

Papertake Weekly {Anything Goes}

Toptip Tuesday {Wedding or Anniversary}

BFN
Linda
X

*Stamp-a-ma-jig, available from Stampin’ Up through me

Happy Anniversary

2011-07-07T14:38:00.001+01:00

Afternoon! It’s a bit breezy in Nottingham today! Where’s all that sun they keep promising! *sigh*

So today I have a BAS* card.

I’ve made this for the Toptip Tuesday Challenge. Leanne has a fab tutorial this week for making Exploding Boxes. Check it out on Leanne’s blog!

I’ve made this card using the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set, Real Red card and ink and of course Whisper White for stamping on. I don’t think an explanation is needed this time….except to say, I used my brilliant SAMJ (as I now call my my Stamp-a-ma-jig) to line the hearts up and heart nesties to create the stacked embellishment.

A really simple, but effective card I think . As well as Toptip Tuesday I’m going to enter this in the following challenges:

Allsorts Challenge {Free and Easy}

Papertake Weekly {Anything Goes}

BFN
Linda
X

p.s. BAS = Bright and Simple (trying to start a new craze..)

Back to CAS

2011-07-06T08:17:00.001+01:00

Ok…my last couple of cards have been borderline CAS recently so I’m getting back to the Clean and Simple look today but I’m sticking with the blue theme:

I’ve used the Level One Hostess Set from Stampin’ Up! Silhouette Sentiments and stamped flowers in Night of Navy, Pacific Point, Marina Mist and Baha Breeze. I’ve then inked around the stems to “ground them”. (I’ve actually used this technique before. You can see it here.)

I’ve matted the image on to Marina Mist, adding a border with the Scallop trim punch, and 3d’d it to the front of a 15cm card.

BUT what to do for the sentiment? I’ve used a dark card blank (Night of Navy) and having constructed my card before thinking about the sentiment I was a little stuck for the medium to use….

So I resorted to good old-fashioned handwriting. Adds a personal touch too. I’ve used the Signo uni-ball Gel Pen for this….available from Stampin’ Up! at £3.75.

So I hope you like it. I definitely think this technique of stamping a “wild field of flowers” is soo suitable for any occasion. I’d love to see your versions…

I’m entering this in the following challenges:

Less is More {Shades of Blue}

Papertake Weekly {Anything Goes}

Allsorts Challenge {Free and Easy}

BFN
Linda
X

Patchwork Card

2011-07-05T14:04:00.000+01:00

Afternoon!

This is turning out to be a blue week in more ways than one!! Oooer...I'd better clarify that quickly!! LOL!
Well, not only have I been considering blue cards for the latest Less is More Challenge, work is also a bit blue this week as all my girl friends are ill and working at home!! *sob* . Makes for a very dull week at work!!

Anyhow....I've had a go at a patchwork card today.

I've used squares of DSP papers Baja Breeze, Marina Mist and Tempting Turquoise. I've inked the edges with Night of Navy and stuck them to the front of 15cm square card. I've added a greeting (from Stampin' Up's Party This Way) and finally embellished it with a Daisy cut using the Flowers, Daisies #2 die from Stampin' Up! This is available in the Mini catalogue until September.

So it is very blue, and (IMHO) very simple. I'm entering this in the following challenges:
The Paper Shelter (Anything Goes)
2 Sisters Challenge Blog (Birthdays)
Crafts & Me (Birthdays)
Less is More (Shades of Blue - although after a recent comment, I'm thinking this is probably NAS* and not CAS)

Hope to see you tomorrow!
BFN
Linda
x

*Nice and Simple

Butterflies!!!

2011-07-04T07:52:00.001+01:00

Well, it has been a while!! And they are my favourites!! Beautiful Wings from Stampin’ Up:

This is one time my picture is allowed to look a bit blue….although I did have to nip put to the garden to take it this morning!

I’ve used Night of Navy, Marina Mist and Baja Breeze cardstock with DSP from the subtle colour family. I’ve matted and layered a greeting in the centre and embellished it with one final butterfly.

I’ve made this card for a challenge over on “Just Us Girls” and have used their sketch this week (made it in to a square card though). But I’m also entering it in to the following challenges:

Less is More {Shades of Blue}

Flutterby Wednesdays {Open}

So a good start to the week.

BFN
Linda
X

LIM: Shades of Blue

2011-07-02T16:28:00.001+01:00

Well, this makes a change! Sun on a weekend…? Doesn’t that usually happen when it’s back to work time!!

We’ve had a lovely day in the garden. The boys have now taken themselves off to nana’s house which his given me a chance to make my card for the Less is More challenge this week. Once again, I feel inspired so this might be one of a few .

I’ve used Marina Mist and Night of Navy blues from Stampin’ Up and the ‘Simply Said’ Stamp set. The Happy Birthday is from ‘Party This Way’.

I started by embossing Night of Navy with Polka Dots and creating a trim with the my scallop punch. I’ve stuck these flat on to the card front. Then, on I’ve stamped and cut out a solid heart of Night of Navy (using whisper white card of course, it really is the best for stamping), and I’ve 3d’d this on to an outline heart. I’ve added a stem using my sizzix embosslit and matted the image on to Marina Mist. I’ve then 3d’d the image over to the right side of the card. Finally, I’ve added the sentiment….simple, but then that’s the name of the game .

So…best go and retrieve the boys. I think nana probably needs a break by now .

BFN
Linda
x

Kraft Man….with my man!

2011-07-01T19:37:00.001+01:00

Well, I’m grabbing a five minute breather before the mayhem starts again. I’m out on a leaving do tonight but I’ve just about had enough time to check out the Cas-ual Friday challenge (hope I get the right week this week!!). This week they are looking for something masculine with Kraft.

I’ve been crafting and eating and chatting about the school day with the kids and the number of famous people my husband has seen today (he’s working at some luxury apartments) all at the dining table so this is essentially a family effort and here it is:

I’ve made this using the Party This Way stamp set from Stampin’ Up! and my colours are Old Olive, Marina Mist and Real Red. Of course, my Kraft connection is the lovely Crumb Cake and I’ve used that as my card.

I’ve stamped the balloon and cut it out. After I attached it to the card I’ve used Crystal Effects (£5.75) to make it shine (and look more like a balloon). I’ve added a string to the balloon and a bow to the tag using some twine I found in my stash.

I asked Paul (hubby) if he thought it was manly enough. His suggestion? Maybe add a bit of ribbon to the tag to make it a present! WHAT?! Ribbon?? On a man’s card!!!? Is he mad!!!?

Hope you like it….right, I’m off out! See you tomorrow

BFN
Linda
x

Another year wiser…

2011-06-30T07:32:00.000+01:00

I know, I know….my blogging seems a little remiss these days, but I hope your bear with me through this busy time. We have school trips, dance shows, football tournaments and long summer nights all mixed in with a bunch of appointments and a busy work day….
Shall I get the violin out now? |

I did manage an evening of crafting in last night though and have made a birthday card for a colleague’s wife.

Rubbish picture, I know, but I love these little owls from Stampin’ Up! They are so ‘in’ at the moment (or should I say ‘on-trend’….no, I really shouldn’t) so there’s lots of ideas of how to use them on the interweb. The punch is £15.50 and well worth it, I think you’ll find!

This is an A5 card which I’ve matted with woodgrain paper. I’ve cut an aperture in the front (for the owls little home) and framed it using my nesties.

I’ve cut the cute, little owls from designer paper from Stampin’ Up! and stuck them to the front of the aperture. It’s a little bit hard to see but I’ve added a heart gem in between the owls too!

I’ve finished it off with computer generated greetings and added a Happy Birthday to the inside.

Another simple, but fancy looking card, don’t you think? I hope she likes it .

I’m entering this card in the following challenges:

CES Challenges {Anything but square}

Make it Monday {Linky Party}
The Crafty Pad {Bold and Bright} – You can’t get much brighter than Melon Mambo .

Hope you come back soon….

BFN
Linda
x

Summer’s here…for today at least!

2011-06-27T22:07:00.000+01:00

And can’t you tell!! A bit of sun and there’s bikes to be ridden, walks to be had and ice creams to be bought from the irritatingly late ice cream van! *sigh*.

All this of course adds up to another late night card. I have lots on me list but I wanted to get a card made for my fave challenge, Less is More. This week Chrissie and Mandi have a sketch for us:

And here’s my card for the week.

Using Vintage Vogue from Stampin’ Up!, I’ve stamped flowers in Daffodil Delight and Concord Crush, cut them out and layered them up. I’ve stamped a flowery border in Concord Crush top and bottom on a strip of Whisper White and then I’ve attached the flowers using a brads to mimic the sketch.

It’s quite a simple card, but still very effective. Love these two colours together and I’m loving the vintage look too!

So I’d love to know what you think….

Thanks for reading
BFN
Linda
x

I have a SuperStar in the family!!

2011-06-26T22:25:00.001+01:00

No official photos yet, but I might be able to sort an autograph out soon!! We’ve had a very exciting weekend with a very glitzy show at the Palace Theatre in Mansfield. Annie had her first dancing performance and she was brilliant. Her performance almost made me cry with pride!

This is her just about to leave for last night’s performance with as much make-up as I’d let her wear….she is such a girly girl!

I was chaperone today to six little starlets….on the hottest day of the year….in a backstage with no windows or aircon! But they were all fantastic!

But with dress rehearsals, performances and chaperoning….I’ve had no time to craft this weekend! *sigh*

BUT….

There’s still time to order from Stampin’ Up! We’re half way through the mini catalogue time, remember!! So if there issomething you’d like please let me know by Wednesday, 29th June.

Back tomorrow with a card….hopefully!

BFN
Linda
X

CAS-ual Friday’s Colour Block

2011-06-24T23:25:00.001+01:00

What a dope! With the little crafty time I have this weekend, I’ve just made a card for CAS-ual Friday’s Color Block challenge. And here it is:

Only problem is that this is last week’s challenge!! *sigh*

Any hoo….I’m going to try my luck with entering this in the Fab n Funky challenge – Summer Loving. It has a beachy feel to it I think!

So with this lovely Sail Away stamp from Stampin’ Up, what better colour to use then Marine Mist. I’ve used the DSP Pattern Stack and card in Marine Mist coupled with Early Espresso and Whisper White. And of course, I’ve embossed the Marina Mist using SU’s Elegant Wallpaper embossing folder.

The image I’ve stamped in basic black and water coloured the sails in Marine Mist again.

Well I think the card looks fab….feel daft for making it for an old challenge so I’m glad it fits with “Summer Loving”.

Now I might be away for the weekend as my daughter is in her first dancing Show this weekend. She has a busy weekend….starting with a Technical Dress Rehearsal at 9:30 tomorrow…..fingers crossed!!

Thanks for reading
BFN
Linda

Here comes the Sun–hopefully!

2011-06-23T22:34:00.000+01:00

Back to late night blogging and semi-gloomy pics again! *sigh*

Although I have taken a tip from Susan Goetter on how to brighten pics up (without the much loved Picasa). Check out her tutorial here.

So here’s today’s card:

It’s a bright and cheery Cheers card using my Cheers to You stamp set from Stampin’ Up!

I’ve tried my hand at a bit of resist stamping to create m own background for the card. To do this, I’ve stamped cocktails all over some Daffodil Delight card using Versamark, and then heat embossed it with clear embossing powder. I’ve then inked it with Cherry Cobbler ink to give it a sunny and hot look and finally polished it off to bring out the embossing.

I’ve stamped the cocktails using a mask (and my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig – how did we manage before that cool invention!!) I’ve stamped the two front cocktails first, then masked it by stamping them again on a post-it note and cutting them out. I’ve then stamped the tall cocktail over the masks using my Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect positioning. I’ve coloured them in with gel pens to give them the glassy look and added the sentiment across the corner.

Now, no card is complete without a bit of ribbon, but in this case I didn’t have the correct colour. So…I’ve cheated. I’ve coloured Whisper White ribbon using my my Daffodil Delight marker to get an exact match! Cool, aye!

Now I’m entering this into the following challenges:

Papertake Weekly {Here comes the Sun}

Creative Craft Challenges {Make your own backing papers}

Everybody Art Challenge {Anything Goes}

I just hope I’m not jinxing this good weather that is suppose to be on its way for the weekend! Fingers crossed!

Thanks for reading.
BFN
Linda
x

I’m combining a couple of challenges

LIM: A True Monogram?

2011-06-22T07:57:00.001+01:00

Well, my card for the Less is More challenge this week, failed to hit the mark . It isn’t considered a monogram. I think I can see why….but I’m confused by comments on other similar cards with words which are considered monograms.

monogram ( ) n. A design composed of one or more letters, typically the initials of a name, used as an identifying mark.

Right! No words!

This time I’ve taken my lead from Chrissie and gone for a wedding theme.

I’ve used Stampin’ Ups Concord Crush as my highlight colour and my lovely embossing folders to add dimension to the card. I’ve used Elegant Wallpaper and Polka DOts from Stampin’ Up and my trusty cuttlebug swirls. I’ve made a simple wedding cake card and added the initials of my friend and her fella on top. I’m actually helping Kelly with her invitations…but I’d better not blog about that just yet.

So…hopefully this is a monogram. I’m still loving the challenges, Chrissie and Mandi – even when I get it wrong! LOL!

BFN
Linda
x

Woohooo! I’ve been ShowCASed

2011-06-21T22:49:00.001+01:00

It’s my week for awards!! But I’m soo happy to receive this one! My card has been ShowCASed over on Less is More. Big thanks to Lady and Diva LIM, Mandi and Chrissie! I’ve been working on another monogram card for their latest challenge….so watch this space!

Our Father’s Day Gift

2011-06-21T21:26:00.001+01:00

With all that was going off on the weekend I never got a chance to show off the gifts we made for dad, grandad and grandpa. I know it’s a bit late but still….

It’s the good ol’ pint of socks trick .

We took it a bit further and engraved the glasses. After dad unwrapped his we took some more pics.

Charlie’s name is on there too!

Needless to say Dad, Grandad and Grandpa loved the glasses….oh and the socks! We also gave them something to put in the glasses too!

This is my last post for Father’s Day this year and I’m entering it in Craft Us Crazy – my last entry in their Father’s Day/Masculine theme this week.

So…a late share but I hope you like it.

BFN
Linda
x

Wooohooo! My First Challenge award!

2011-06-20T22:47:00.001+01:00

Just had to shout about it….

I’m a Cupcake Cutie for my Father’s Day Cards. Yay!!!

Ok…self congratulations over .

Monogram And Something New

2011-06-20T21:37:00.001+01:00

OMG! What a weekend!! I’ve been dying to get my craft stuff out but with football, dancing, parties (for the kids and er…one at the pub), christenings and Father’s Day coupled with visiting family…I’ve had absolutely no time! But it’s been fab!

This is my youngest, Annie (on the left) with my youngest niece, Emilia. They are such good friends and love it when we get together. Both are 4 years old and are gonna be a right handful when they’re older…..watch this space!

So even though I have only just managed to make my card for the Less is More challenge, it was still the first thing I quickly checked on Saturday. It’s actually take from then until lunch time today, while flicking through the latest Ideal Home magazine to get inspiration!! Monograms!! No idea!! Anyways….I rushed home and have made this tonight, taken a pic while it’s still light enough….hopefully!! What do you think?

I think this one is self-explanatory…I’ve used Stampin Up’ colours of Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Old Olive and Tempting Turquoiseon a crumb cake house. I’ve crinkled the roof and the curtains using my Paper crimper (available from Stampin’ Up) and 3d’d the whole image onto a 15cm square card blank.

I like it….but I think it might need matting. I’d be interested to know what you all think .

I’m also entering this in The Crafty Pad Challenge: Something New.

So now I’m off to peruse the other entries while thinking of my next idea. Tomorrow I’ll share pics of my mad (but fun) weekend. Hope you can come back then .

BFN
Linda
X

Simple Father’s Day Card

2011-06-17T07:32:00.000+01:00

Now this is a really quick card for dad….and it’s nice and simple and of course no bling!

I’ve used the star stamp from the Fun and Fast Notes set from Stampin’ Up. I’ve stamped it on to Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight and Early Espresso, cut them out and arranged them around a simple greeting that I’ve punched and layered using the label punch – again from Stampin’ Up! I also decorated the inside…but, alas forgot to photograph it again!!

So…a suitable man’s card? I think so, but we’ll see. We have our cards for sell and so far beer is a crowd pleaser. The Cheers to You stamps set was a good investment – it’s so versatile and an absolute bargain for £14.95. Check out the cards I’ve made with this set here.

I’m entering this card into the following challenges:

Craft Us Crazy {Masculine/ Father’s Day}

One Stop Craft Challenge {Father’s Day}

BFN
Linda
X

Vintage Vogue Birthday

2011-06-16T01:20:00.001+01:00

Morning all! I’m in the pink today. Remember the colleague that needed cards for his wife? I made the card for his boys to give to mum and this is the one for him to give. Requirements were “something in pink, and ‘with love to me wife’”. So here it is:

Now I’ve cased this card from the very talented Julie Kettlewell’s beautiful Silver Wedding card. I’ve stamped Vintage Vogue flowers in Melon Mambo and Blushing Bride and layered them together. I’ve arranged the flowers on a matted A5 card with a little bit of foliage die cut in Old Olive.

I’ve added dimension to the flowers by shaping them with my bone folder before constructing them.

I’ve also 3d’d them to the front of the card to give them more dimension.

Now I did decorate the inside of this card as well….but alas forgot to take the photo *sigh*.

He seemed to like it….I hope his wife does too!

I’m going to enter this in the following challenges:

Simon Says {Bingo - Flowers, Brads, Sentiment}

BFN
Linda
X

Nostalgic Father’s Day

2011-06-15T07:20:00.003+01:00

Well this morning I’m deviating from my usual Stampin’ Up products! *shock*. But I couldn’t do Father’s Day without using some of my old favourites. So today I have cards made using my lovely LOTV Boys.

Cute, don’t you think?
Now, hopefully you can see that these are one layer cards and framed. Yep! Couldn’t resist it….I’m entering these in the Less is More Challenge In the Frame.
But I’d also like to point out how much the challenges set by Lady and Diva LIM (Chrissie and Mandi) have helped my card making!
These cards actually combine the concepts from a couple of Less is More challenges to produce a very pleasing result.

Firstly, I’ve stamped the images in Soft Suede and used a water brush to pull the colour into the image. This gives it a vintage look (Week 18 – Monochrome).

Secondly, I’ve considered the placement of the images and used the corner squares according to which way the boy is facing (Week 17 – Pick a Square). OK, so the sentiment is outside the square but that was allowed..right?
.

And third and finally, I’ve doodled a frame around the edge of the cards for the latest challenge In the Frame. It just finishes the card off, I think.

So I hope you like them. I’ve made these for the office. A few of the guys will suddenly realise that Father’s Day is Sunday and ask if we have any cards. Not making too many though…they might be too girly, LOL! In my quest for the perfect Man’s Card we took a straw poll to determine what men want on cards….STOP PRESS! Apparently, it’s guns, fast cars and………….. Chuck Norris!!!

Here’s the last of my cards using this style.
I’m also entering this in the following challenges:
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge {A Male Card}
Cupcake Craft Challenges {Boy, oh boy, oh boy}
Make It Monday {Linky Party}
Lili of the Valley {Anything Goes}

Bfn
Linda
X

Father’s Day Challenge No1

2011-06-14T08:27:00.001+01:00

Morning all! I’m getting good at morning blogging recently! Some might say I’m obsessed but I just can’t get enough….it’s such a friendly community! Just yesterday, I had a call from Sandra over on Stamping 4 Pleasure. And now I’m looking forward to having a play with the images she used in the Less is More challenge this week. Thanks, Sandra. You made my day .

So, to today’s card is of course for Father’s Day.

This is a BAJA BREEZE card. Sorry for shouting but I’m taking a risk using a blue card blank….lots of people just assume it is a dodgy photo! LOL!

This is a very simply card. I’ve used co-ordinating Stampin’ Up designer paper and simply matted the front of the card. Then in contrasting Cajun Craze, I’ve stamped some bunting using the Party This Way stamp set and strung it across the top corner of the card.

I’ve finished it off with a computer-printed sentiment that I’ve cut out and backed using the label punch from Stampin’ Up!

I’m entering this card in a couple of challenges:

One Stop Craft Challenge {Father’s Day}

and

Papertake Weekly Challenge {Anything Goes}

Hope you like it…and remember, you can buy any Stampin’ Up products from me just by calling on 07808 471 372 or dropping me an email at craftydistraction@virginmedia.com.

BFN
Linda
X

Happy Birthday Card

2011-06-13T08:20:00.001+01:00

Morning all! Finally…it looks like the rain has given up and let the sun have a turn! Great! Just in time to go back to work! *sigh*

Well, last night I made a card for a work colleague. He needed a couple of cards for his wife’s birthday. This is the one for his boys to give to her….the requirements? It had to have pink, hearts and “Happy Birthday, mummy” on it….awwww!

It’s a similar card I made for a recent Less is More challenge. I’ve used All in The Family to put two little boys in a Melon Mambo hot air balloon.

I’ve added a hill (Old Olive) of pink flowers and hearts as requested . I hope they like it.

I’m entering this into the Anything Goes Challenge on Papertake Weekly this week.

Back tomorrow – I have plans for lots of Father’s Day Cards…..fingers crossed!

BFN
Linda X

LIM: Framed Flowers

2011-06-12T12:38:00.001+01:00

Morning all! Just a quick post today as it’s a day full of football (again!!). Thanks for all your comments yesterday about my photo….it really was a blue card though and not a dark picture…LOL! I don’t think I’ll be using Baja Breeze as a card blank again. But I thought I’d check out this Picasa everyone is raving about and I’m glad I did.

It is a grey day today so perfect opportunity! Can you tell which one has been Picasa’d:

This is my latest entry for the in the frame challenge over on Less is More. I masked a 5 cm band across a 15cm card blank using post-it notes and stamped flowers from Silhouette Sentiment in Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie and Cherry Cobbler. I finished it off by blending Old Olive along the bottom of the frame using Cut ‘n’ Dry. After removing the post-it notes I used the piercing mat from Stampin’ Up to frame it.

So I hope you like it….and I too can now highly recommend Picasa .

BFN
Linda
X

You’ve been framed!

2011-06-11T13:45:00.001+01:00

Afternoon! It’s been a beautiful sunny day in Nottingham thus far! Isn’t it a little bit sad that instead of thinking about sitting in the garden sipping a cold drink….the first thought through my head was how much washing I could get dry today!! What’s even sadder is it makes me soo happy getting washing dry!! LOL!

Anyways I have managed to sneak a peek at the Less is More challenge today. OK…I admit it! It was the first thing I checked this morning.

This week is a One Layer Challenge (hmmm…not my favourite) and Chrissie and Mandi have asked us to create something In the Frame.

So after much thought while at dancing and football (not at the same time) I’ve used my new Cheers to You stamp set.

I’ve used Baja Breeze and stamped three cocktails on the front. I’ve coloured the cocktails in using my glaze pens. I’ve stamped a greeting (from Party This Way!) and doodled a frame around the images.

Now I was happy with this card until I saw the photo. I think it’s a cute card but it looks a bit grey in the photo. That is of course because it’s on baja breeze card. So much for trying something different! LOL! I’ve re-made it on white. Such a difference!

Hope you like it! No doubt I’ll be back later in the week to try this challenge again. Chrissie and Mandi really do keep us on our toes with the LIM Challenge. Like I said, OLC is not my favourite so it does make us work outside our comfort zone! I love it!

BFN
Linda
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Oh no! Man Cards!!!

2011-06-10T07:12:00.001+01:00

Ok…I know I said I probably wouldn’t post today but that was before the delivery from the UPS Man yesterday!!! Yes….orders are here so I’ll be dropping them off to you over the next couple of days.
And of course I had to get something new myself…..so I went for the very versatile ‘Cheers to You’ stamp set. And over on Craft Us Crazy they are looking for Father’s Day / Masculine creations. Perfect!

Now I’m hoping you can see from the picture that I’ve stamped the pint glasses, coloured them in using my inks and water brush, then cut them out and 3d’d them to the front of the card.
Cards for men are notoriously difficult…no ribbon, no glitz, no bling! I’ve tried to add interest by giving this card a vintage look and inking the edges. I do like the simplicity of it tho’ and I’m sure it’s as much as a man can take on a handmade card!! LOL! What do you reckon…
I will be back with more Father’s Day cards!! One day there will be an answer to the age old question…WHAT DO MEN CARDS LOOK LIKE!!!! In the meantime I’m also going to enter this in the following :
Delightful Challenges { Father’s Day }
Crafting For All Seasons {Father’s Day }
Delightful Inspiration { Masculine, No Flowers }
Thanks for looking, hope you come back again soon
BFN
Linda
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Flutterby Monochrome!

2011-06-09T08:03:00.000+01:00

Hmmm..not had much time for craft today. That pesky day job keeps getting in the way. But I’ve had a flit around the challenges today and decided on a mash up….two of my favourite challenges! Flutterby Wednesday are looking for something with Polka Dots, and of course Less is More still have their Monochrome challenge – see, I knew I couldn’t leave it alone!!

So this is the Just Believe stamp set from Stampin’ Up (….again!! I hope you’re not getting bored with it!!) I’ve run the bottom of the card blank through my Big Shot to give it some Polka Dots and added a scalloped border in Marina Mist. I’ve stamped the image on to Whisper White in Pacific Blue and Marina Mist, cut it out and 3d’d it to the front of a card. I’ve then finished it off with a “Happy Birthday” sentiment and of course the obligatory butterflies in matching DSP.
So if you need anymore information about any of my cards, please feel free to drop me a note…..or check out the beautiful products in the catalogues (check out the links n my side bar).
Thanks for looking…I hope you come back soon.
BFN
Linda
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Special Offer for June and July Only

2011-06-08T15:29:00.000+01:00

Extra Freebies in June and July

What better time to host a workshop than in June or July. Stampin’ Up are offering extra freebies for all hostess with qualifying orders. See below for details:

Host a £250 workshop between 1 June–31 July 2011 and earn an EXTRA £20 in hostess rewards!
Customer, hostess, and workshop orders qualify for this promotion.
Workshops totaling more than £250 are not eligible for more than £20 in additional hostess rewards.
Hostesses can use their additional £20 in hostess rewards on any catalogue merchandise.

All this means that if you host a workshop and the workshop order totals £250 you will be entitled to £45 worth of free merchandise instead of the usual £25! It can’t be bad, can it!

So, if this is something you think you’d like to do just drop me an email at craftydistraction@virginmedia.com or give me a call on 07808 471 372 ….absolutely no obligation!

LIM: Last Monochromatic Card….maybe :-)

2011-06-08T09:13:00.000+01:00

Morning! Thanks for all the comments on my monochrome cards entered on the Less is More Challenge so far this week! I have one more today…before I try and move on (it’s just so much fun!!!).For this card I’ve reverted back to my trusty Just Believe stamp set and stamped the smaller foliage stamp in Peach Parfait, Tangerine Tango and Cajun Craze. I’ve added a border using the scallop trim punch and a bit of ribbon from my stash. The sentiment is from Heard from the Heart and is blinged up a bit….

It’s a nice bright colour….such a different look from the black and white card I made using the same set, don’t you think? Just shows how versatile it can be .
Hope you like it. I’m off to catch up on some card hopping now. The entries this week are fabulous…again! Well done, LIMettes!!

BFN
Linda
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LIM: Monochrome Card 3

2011-06-07T09:30:00.011+01:00

Morning all! And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY GORGEOUS, CRAFT-TOLERANT HUBBY! It’s our 9th Anniversary and according to google that makes it leather or pottery! Hmmmm…not sure how to put either of those on a card so I think I’ll stick with the good old-fashioned heart approach:

I’ve made this card using the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set. It’s beautiful and absolutely ideal for cards from the heart .

The sentiment is from the Heard from the Heart set. I’ve stamped the hearts using Real Red, Riding Hood Red and Cherry Cobbler and sat the hearts on ribbon.

Chrissie and Mandi over on Less is More are really helping to stretch our imaginations this week with their Monochrome challenge. This is my third entry!! Why not check it out! The cards this week are absolutely fab!

But, alas this card is a little girly, don’t you think? I couldn’t give this to my bloke! Not even a craft-tolerant one like my hubby! So I actually made him one last night - inspiration taken from the latest Idea Book and Catalogue. Yes, it has pink in it and it’s covered in hearts….but it also has blue, green and brown .... and I love him, so hearts say it all :-). I'm going to enter his card in the Texture Challenge over on One Stop Craft Challenge.

Thanks for looking.
BFN
Linda
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Colour Challenges

2011-06-06T10:50:00.000+01:00

I’ve been inspired by colour challenges today and have made a similar card in three different colour ways. I’ve had this card in my head for a while so it’s been so much fun playing with the colours.

The first challenge I checked out is The Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge. We’re to take our inspiration from this room scene of bright yellows and purples, and that’s just what I’ve done.

My chosen colours for this challenge are Daffodil Delight and Concord Crush. I’ve used my trusty Simple Said set to stamp a flowers on to a circle Whisper White. I’ve inked the edge of the circle with Concord Crush and matted it onto a scalloped circle of the same colour.

I’ve layered white on to Concord Crush (again) and adhered it to a card blank, then I’ve 3d’ed the circle on to the middle of the card. Finally I’ve added another circle into the middle with a sentiment. Oh…and a bit of bling to the centre of the purple flowers.

It’s a very CAS look – one that I’m favouring at the moment. So, the next challenge was over on Crafty Creations. They are wanting to see creations using Pink n Orange:

I’ve made this card in the same way only using Tangerine Tango and Melon Mambo.

And the final challenge was over on Creative Craft Challenges. They are wanting to see creations using Blue, Brown and Cream (and not necessarily men’s cards):

I've made this using all my blues – Marina Mist, Pacific Blue and Baja Breeze – Crumb Cake, and cream card. This time I’ve added a bit of Crumb Cake ribbon too and the greeting is from the Afterthoughts stamp set.

I think this is my favourite one yet. And because I think this is Fab n Funky, I’m going to enter it in their ‘Whateva’ challenge too!

So I hope you like them. Feel free to let me know .

BFN
Linda
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Race For Life –WooHoo!!

2011-06-05T21:31:00.001+01:00

Mel, me and Louisa – after the race!

WE DID IT!!! And raised over £500 pounds too!! We’ve had a great day and I just want to thank everyone for their support and sponsors!! A big thanks to all our family and friends who supported us throughout the race. You all made it very easy to help raise money so much money for this very worthy cause.
So….we’ll see you next year!

BFN
Linda
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Monochromatic in Pink!!

2011-06-05T09:07:00.000+01:00

Morning all! Hope the sun comes out today….cos I’m running the Race for Life today!!!

There’s still time to sponsor us by clicking the link above or clicking our pic in the side bar. And if you’re doing the Race for Life this year…good luck!!

So continuing the monochromatic theme over on Less is More this week, I’ve found all my pink inks in support of Race for Life Day:

I’ve used Pink Pirouette, Blushing Bride and Melon Mambo and the Pocket Silhouettes stamp set. Of course, I’ve aligned the images using my Stampamajig – don’t know how I managed before I had that!! I trimmed a scalloped border in Melon Mambo and wrapped it in ribbon before attaching to the bottom of the card and backed the completed image before fixing to the card. I’ve added a sentiment and a bit of stickles and done!

I’m entering this in Top Tip Tuesday’s challenge too. This week they want to see it Wrapped up with ribbon.

Right, wish me luck! My race starts at 11am .
BFN
Linda
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Less Is More–Monochromatic

2011-06-04T13:43:00.001+01:00

Woohoo….it’s Saturday and Dad is home to entertain the children so although the sun is shining, I’ve found time to check out the Less is More Challenge this week (it was actually the first thing I checked this morning…but don’t want to seem too keen. The theme is MONOCHROMATIC:

I’ve never really done much with monochrome so this is probably my first ever monochromatic card. I doubt it shall be my last! LOL!

I’ve used the ‘Just Believe’ Stamp set in Basic Black. The sentiment is from Silhouette Sentiments. I stamped the image once, then aligned it with my Stamp-a-ma-jig and stamped it again without re-inking it. I also inked the edges of the card before matting it on to Basic Black card.

I finished it off with some clear rhinestones under the sentiment and a fancy bow in black.

But it’s not a very cheery card, is it? So you know I’m going to have to have another go! Chrissie and Mandi’s challenges can keep me busy all week!!

Well, off to enjoy the remainder of the sun. I think we’re off swimming too. Come back soon for more .

BFN
Linda
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CAS-ual Half-term? I wish!!

2011-06-03T22:57:00.000+01:00

I know….I didn’t blog yesterday and the day before I blogged with no card! And now look at the time!!! What’s going off?

HALF TERM, of course! Yes, we’ve been dancing, trampolining and swimming and managed to fit in a good old fashioned water fight in the back garden….and that’s just in the last two days!

But I’ve finally managed to sit down and make a card for the challenge on CAS-ual Friday. This week they have a sketch from Laura:

And here’s my take:

Using colours dictated by the rarely wrong Color Coach I’ve stamped and paper-pieced the girl (wearing Rich Razzleberry) on a hill of Pear Pizzazz, rolled with Fast flowers. I’ve printed a simple sentiment under the Tempting Turquoise sky before backing the image and 3d’ing it on to a 15cm square card.

So I hope you like it and I hope you come back soon .

BFN
Linda
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New clubs and free stuff

2011-06-01T10:35:00.001+01:00

Well, I’d love to show you a card today…but alas, we all went round to a friend’s house and played on the XBox Kinect! They’re fantastic and the kids loved it!! I even had a Dance Off with my hubby….it doesn't matter who won….we had fun!! That’s the main thing…OK! It’s a shame we’re a PS3 household *sigh* I NEED A KINECT!

Thanks for a lovely evening, Jen and good luck with tomorrow! (Jen has a potentially horrible day at work!!) :-(

Anyways, I’ve been sitting here itching to blog a card but after my Less is More marathon, I’m all carded out at the moment. Perfect chance to play with my blog though and update the options for how to get your hands on free stuff!

And here they are:
The Crafty Three: This club runs for only 3 months and requires members to agree to place a minimum order of £50.00/ month plus P&P (if necessary).
The Crafty Six: 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).
The Crafty Ten: This club runs for 10 months and requires members to place a minimum order of £15/month plus P&P (if necessary).

For all clubs each member will receive the following:

A free Ideas Book and Catalogue 2011
A free Mini Catalogue (Apr - Sept)
£15 worth of products of your choice
A free level 1 hostess stamp set (choose from the Ideas Book or the mini)

As an added extra each member will receive a 10% off voucher that can be used for one of the months.

As soon as the club is full, all you have to do is choose your products and mail me your order once a month! You can pay via in cash, via bank transfer or by credit/debit card. 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 by mailing me at craftydistraction@virginmedia.com or calling me on 07808 471 372.

BFN
Linda
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LIM : Card No 5

2011-05-31T19:54:00.001+01:00

Woohoo! Number 5 for the Less is More challenge….done! And who’d have thunk this would have been the hardest one for me!

I’m not entirely sure I’ve done this justice…but I have agonised over what to do for this square, and in the end I’ve just gone simple! I love this stamp from Fun and Fast Notes and it’s perfect as we head into wedding season *claps hands excitedly*. I have used this colour combo before…it’s Baja Breeze and Cherry Cobbler. I’ve coloured it in using my water brush and inks…which works very well….just hope you can’t see the inky finger prints!! LOL!

Post Entry Note: So after the comments on my card, I just had to try again! I do know what Mandi means and I wasn’t entirely happy with the the card above so here’s card no5, take 2 (I’m not obsessed you understand!!):

I’ve kept the same colour scheme, but this time I have stamped the image 3 times and decoupaged it. I’ve stood the cakes on a ribbon strip and added a bow to one side.

Here’s a close-up of the image.

So that’s definitely it! Here’s a recap of my other 4 cards:

I’ve really enjoyed this challenge and will carry on with this fantastic CAS idea of Picking a Square. Chrissie, Mandi…it’s been absolutely fab!! And I’ve loved looking at all the other entries! They’ve all been sooo great. And now I’m off to comment on the latest ones .

Thanks for reading

BFN
Linda
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A big thanks to Lowdham!

2011-05-31T19:24:00.001+01:00

Well, I can’t believe it!! I missed a day blogging! But hopefully I can be forgiven…I was pretty tired after the day at the Craft Fayre!! But what a friendly bunch! And the World’s End Inn is such a lovely place to eat….or just have a drink. Highly recommended!! So thanks to Lucy, Sue and Andrea for organising it. And “Hi” to my new friend Karen from Little Owls Nest! We had such a laugh!

Here’s a quick picture of my stall before kick off….

…and some goodies I may have purchased (ahem!)

So once again….a big thank you to everyone I met…and I’ll let you know when the orders are in.

BFN
Linda
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LIM: Card No 4.

2011-05-29T22:04:00.001+01:00

Ok…this is the last one for today. I will complete the set by the end of the Less is More challenge though!! This is the last corner so another “up in the air thing” is needed. Now those who read my blog will know I’m going through my butterfly stage. Soooo…..

My sister, Sarah, lives over in Colorado and I miss her everyday. Butterflies remind me of her…and no, not because she’s a butterfly head (that’s definitely me in this family!!) but because she’s a fan too. So this card is for her…The Silver Butterfly, my hero and mentor since birth….so she’s recently let me know .

Love yer, Sis! Now get on Skype and give me a buzz!!

So 4 down 1 to go….but I have to sort my stuff for tomorrow’s Craft Fayre at the World’s End Inn, Lowdham.

Thanks for looking

BFN
Linda
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LIM: Card No 3

2011-05-29T10:24:00.000+01:00

Now some people might say I get fixated on a theme. Not so long back it was the ‘Just Believe’ stamp set. I’ve got another Less is More card. I can’t help it….I think Chrissie and Mandi’s challenge to ‘pick a square’ is fab. There are 5 squares to choose from, so I have to complete the set!

And here’s card number 3…

I’ve used the ‘All in the Family’ and ‘I {Heart} Hearts’ stamp sets to create a hot air balloon. Hope you got that! I’ve actually seen the very talented Julie Kettlewell do something similar to this in her Valentine class. So I’ve CASE’d the idea.

Right, that’s 3 down, 2 to go! I still need to finish off my ‘Just Believe’ cards before tomorrow’s Craft Fayre….back later

Thanks for reading
BFN
Linda
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LIM–Pick a Square Take 2

2011-05-29T08:36:00.000+01:00

So I’ve had another go at the Less is More Challenge this week. We’ve been challenged to Pick a Square and leave lots of white space. My first card seemed a bit of a cop out because I’ve made that style before…although I did like it…so here’s my second card:

This time I’ve used the ‘I {Heart} Hearts’ stamp set and stamped three hearts in Real Red, Early Espresso and Pumpkin Pie. I’ve cut them out and stuck them overlapping on the bottom right corner (just in case you could tell – LOL) and because it’s hearts I’ve made this an anniversary card.

I do like this style….think I’m going to make a card for each of the corners and the middle too! Just in time for my Craft Fayre on Monday. Hope the weather improves!!!