Sketch & Stash DT card - #23

Hi everyone, how fast is this year going?
It doesn't seem possible that we've been going since the 5th January at Sketch & Stash, it won't be too long now before we celebrate our first anniversary!!
At least this week poor old Becky has had a bit of a break as Jill has set the sketch, another fabulous one to work with too, not too complicated but the finished result has lots of interest, well done Jill!!
We've all been overwhelmed by the number of challenge entries that we receive every time and I do hope you'll all try and join in again this week. Don't forget to pop over and take a look at the other fabulous DT cards will you?

Card Details:
* Image - Mo Manning 'Bronte and Louis'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Papers - My Minds Eye 'Wild Asparagus'
* Punch - Martha Stewart 'Embossed ZigZag'
* Sentiment - PC generated
* Everything else from my stash

I adore Mo Manning's images, they are just fabulous, so I decided to use my new 'freebie' one for this week's challenge, along with some gorgeous papers that Jill sent me as part of my birthday prezzie, hope you like my card!

As always, huge thanks go to my visitors for leaving me such encouraging comments, they really make my day!

You're the Cat's Miaow!

Hi everyone!
One of my dear crafting friends has been feeling a bit 'blue' lately. She is a wonderfully talented lady who makes the most exquisite cards and is always leaving me encouraging comments. Anyway, I wanted to show her I was thinking of her and to try to cheer her up, so I made her a little RAK. She's let me know that she's received it, so I can share it with you now.

Card Details:
* Image - Mo Manning 'Little girl in kimono'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Papers - K & Co (I think!)
* Corner stamp - Objective Design 'Art Deco'
* Vellum Pocket - Craftwork Cards
* Sentiment - PC generated
* Everything else from my stash

The image is another one of Mo Manning's fabulous illustrations, I just adore these!
I tried to make the font look as 'oriental' as possible (don't know how successful that was!) and I aged my tag and little flower with Distress Inks. Looking at the pictures there is a mark on the vellum pocket. Don't know what this is, hadn't noticed it before, but I'm so messy!!
I wouldn't normally have used these colours, but my little vellum pocket was orange, so the rest of the colour scheme was built up around this really. Having said that, I really liked the end result of this and thought that the colours suited this sweet image very well!
Unfortunately, as you probably already know, I'm useless at colouring animals, so the cat is done in the minimalist style lol!

Thanks as always, to my visitors who leave comments, I love receiving them and returning the visit!

Crafty Ann's Challenge #1 - Let's Celebrate!

Hi everyone, well today's the day! The very first challenge of Crafty Ann's Challenge Blog and what an ideal theme of 'Let's Celebrate'

Pop over to the challenge blog and check it out! While you're there take a look at Ann's DT (or Dream Team as she calls it) page, chances are you'll know at least one or two of us (especially if you happen to be a 'Sheenie' LOL!)

Ann designs some wonderful digital images and as for her backing papers, well they're just stunning! I've used all of Ann's own designs on this card and just finished off with some bits from my stash.
This is actually based around the card I made for my youngest son's birthday a few days ago and the image is one that I think is perfect for a young man (and we all know how difficult they are to cater for don't we?)

Card Details:
* Image - Crafty Ann's 'Electric Guitar 2'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Backing paper - Crafty Ann's 'Polished Brights Dark Grey' and 'Woodgrain Tan'
* Punch - Martha Stewart 'Embossed zig-zag'
* Everything else from my stash.

I do hope that you'll be able to join in the fun with us, and as each challenge will last for 2 weeks you have a little more time than most challenges.
Ann is also offering a fabulous prize, just look at this:
To celebrate our first challenge there will be a prize for one lucky person. The winner will receive any 5 digi stamps and and 5 backing paper collections of their choice. Currently there are 12 backing paper collections and 18 digi stamps – although there will most likely be more to choose from by the time the winner is announced. You can check out what you might win on the pages at the top of the blog, and they are available to purchase at Crafty Ann’s now. As a separate thing, we’ll have a new Guest Designer each month and if you would like to be considered for the January GDT spot, remember to put GDT in the title of your post for your challenge entry.
What’s more, you can have more than one entry! Just check out the challenge blog to see how.
If you're still in need of some inspiration just take a look at the other Design Team creations, I'm sure they'll fill your head with lots of wonderful ideas.

Digital Tuesday Challenge #31 - Flowers

Hi everyone, well my order of DST has arrived so now I can play again yippeeee!
Today's card is for the Digital Tuesday Challenge, which this week has 'Flowers' as it's theme.
These gorgeous Cala Lillies are Crafty Ann's digi stamps. I love these flowers, they always look so delicate and romantic, it's such a shame that a lot of people only associate them with funerals.
I've teamed them up with some lace and delicate 'lace effect' papers and tried to keep the whole look very simple and understated, at least I hope that's what I achieved lol!

Card Details:
* Image - Crafty Ann's Digi Stamps 'Cala Lillies'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Papers - Joanna Sheen 'Lace Papers'
* Sentiment - Woodware 'Circular Greetings'
* Nestabilities - Scalloped Circles
* Everything else from my stash

Following my recent craft 'spending spree', most of the things have now arrived so watch this space for lots of new bits and bobs appearing on my cards. I've invested in some new ink pads, Nestability 'labels' and lots of little bits and bobs that I've had my eye on for ages such as glamour dust and glitter glass. I seem to have ordered lots of punches including some to make little corners and Martha Stewart's 'Valentine Hearts' (I've been wanting this forever!!)
Now, any of you that visit me regularly will know that I just LOVE using my Promarkers. In fact, since I first discovered them I rarely use anything else, but that may all change soon. I've ordered myself some Distress Inks as I love the results I see on people's blogs from these. Quite how well I'll get on with them remains to be seen!
Thanks again to all those lovely people that take the time to leave me comments, it means so much to me.

Just Magnolia - Monochrome

Hi everyone, when I saw the wonderful DT cards for this week's Just Magnolia challenge I couldn't wait to colour my gorgeous 'So Spooky Tilda' again and join in, she really is my favourite (at the moment)
I was so inspired by the lovely colour palettes of the DT cards that I decided I wanted my card to be in earthy, natural colours this time (put it down to autumn!)
I made another of the gorgeous flowers from the Just Magnolia tutorial HERE, but this time I used matching design papers instead of plain old printer paper. I added a metal corner (as it had a pumpkin motif which I thought went quite well with my halloween image) attached a star charm with some cross stitch thread and sponged 'Antique Linen' and 'Walnut Stain' distress inks around the edges of the Nestie (thanks for the tip Kim!)

Card Details:
* Image - Magnolia 'So Spooky Tilda'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Papers - Papermania 'Simply Elegant'
* Punch - Martha Stewart 'Fanned Shell'
* Flower punches - EK Success 'Retro Flower' large and medium
* Sentiment - K & Co
* Everything else from my stash

Following my recent 'once in a lifetime' clear out of my craft room I've been busily selling all the bits that have been gathering dust for years, in the knowledge that if I haven't used them after all this time I never will! I sold quite a bit on Ebay but I also made up three boxes of assorted 'stuff' and advertised it in my local paper.
Can't believe how much money I've got to spend on new goodies now (already spent lots lol!) so I'm having a really fun time craft shopping at the moment.

I may not be able to make any new cards for a few days as I've completely run out of double sided tape (just can't believe this!!!) I've got masses on order now, but with the postal strike who knows how long it'll take to get here. Oh well, I'll just have to spend my time colouring, how lovely lol!

My Son.....the Rock Star!!

Hi everyone, well it's my baby's birthday tomorrow and I'm definitely feeling my age as my 'baby' will be 31! (I'm starting to think that my body actually knows this, as every muscle and joint is aching today, not a good sign!)
I've made this an 8"x8" card and put lots of 'bling' on it, just so it stands out as being from his Mum and Dad lol!
Making a card for Gareth is never an easy option as he isn't particularly interested in sport or computer games (normal 'fallbacks' for young, male cards) What he does have however, is a fabulous singing voice and a love of music. He sings with a band locally and they have just recorded their second CD (not that I'm a proud mum in any way you understand) Here's a photo of him at a memorial concert a couple of years ago.

This card is also dedicated to my lovely crafting buddy Ann, not only for the idea, with her brilliant card for her daughter's boyfriend (which I've copied quite blatantly because it was so fabulous!) but also because she even sent me the image and sentiment to use. She is going on my 'honours' list for a medal for stamping this image onto acetate, and persevering with it when it didn't want to know. How many times did you have to attempt this Ann? You're my hero!
In case some of you haven't visited Ann's blog 'Craftroom Creations' before (and if so, where have you been?) do pop over and take a look. I always come away from my daily visits totally inspired.

Thanks to everyone who sent me good wishes on my new DT role, I'm looking forward to seeing you all there on the 6th November.

Some Exciting News!!!

Hi everyone, just wanted to pop on to let you all know about some exciting news. I've had a secret for some time and how I've managed to keep it to myself I just don't know, I wanted to share it so much I've been nearly bursting!!
There will be a new challenge blog starting on Friday 6th November and I'll be one of the DT, I'm so looking forward to it!
'Not another weekly challenge blog' I hear you all cry in despair, but this isn't a weekly challenge, it will be set every fortnight on a Friday and I do hope you'll pop over to take a look and maybe join in the fun with all of us.
It's being run by Crafty Ann so why don't I let her explain a little more about it
I’ve been champing at the bit for ages to get this new challenge started but have had to wait for various things to be in place first and at last they are!!
The new challenge will start on the 6th of November and to find out about the prize on offer and how you can have three chances to win it, either click on the picture above, or click here.
Hop on over to the challenge blog to get acquainted with the Design Team too.
I do hope to see you there.
I'm sure many of you already know Ann's wonderful work from her blog and I'm also sure that you will know the rest of the DT too, as they are all wonderfully talented crafters, so what are you waiting for? pop over and check it out!!

Sketch & Stash #22

Hi everyone, today it's time for my DT card for Sketch & Stash and Becky's fabulous sketch number 22.
As you can see, I couldn't stay away from little Tilda for long, so she's making another appearance today and looking very sweet in her lilac outfit.
I wonder if there's such a thing as dyslexia for layers? I always have difficulty with layers of different papers, my poor little brain can't seem to cope too well with them (especially if they happen to be set at an angle like the last sketch!) so please forgive the fact that I haven't made the most of Becky's sketches for the last couple of challenges.
Do you like my flower? (it actually looks better than this in real life, I managed to squash it a bit whilst scanning it lol!) I made it myself!!!!! Yes honestly, I followed THIS wonderful tutorial and was amazed at how fabulous the finished flowers looked. I'm a bit technically challenged, so I really didn't expect them to look anything like the original, so many thanks Michelle.

Card Details:
* Image - Magnolia 'Berry Tilda'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Papers - K & Co and Joanna Sheen
* Sentiment tag - from birthday prezzie stash
* Flower - handmade from THIS tutorial
* Everything else from my stash

Thanks to all of you who join in the fun with us each time, and if you haven't made it before, why not give it a try this time? You have two whole weeks before the next challenge and if you need some inspiration, take a look at the other DT's fabulous creations.

Having just read this back I need to apologise for it being such a long posting, I seem to have rambled on for ages!
Thank you to all my visitors for your wonderful comments, you make my day!

Just because....

Hi everyone, so sorry that I haven't been about for a few days. Gosh, looking at the date of my last post it's been nearly a week, doesn't time fly when you're having fun?
I haven't been having too much fun really, I decided to 'sort out' my craft room...BIG MISTAKE, HUGE MISTAKE!!!!! I think there were a few times when DH was about to send out search parties for me lol!
Now "why would you do something as reckless as this?" I hear you ask, and quite rightly too! The honest reason is that I'd ordered so many new 'goodies' that I didn't know where I was going to put them (I truly believe that I enjoy shopping for craft items even more than I enjoy crafting!!!)
The outcome is, I've never been so organised (of course I may never be able to find anything again!) You know what it's like, you discover crafting and want everything, then gradually you find what styles you like and all the other stuff gathers dust. So I've sorted out lots of bits that I'm getting rid of as I know I'll never use them again.

Anyway, enough waffle from me, onto the card. I've made it just because I wanted to, and I'm quite pleased with how it turned out.
I need to give copious amounts of thanks to Jak for the freebies that I've used on this, they all came from her wonderful blog Crafters Kitchen and if you have never visited you don't know what you're missing! She is not only a very talented crafter but generously offers lots of freebies and tutorials on her blog too.

Card Details:
* Image - Jak Heath 'Chandelier Set' freebie
* Papers - Jak Heath 'Brocade' freebie
* Sentiment - Woodware 'Circular Greetings'
* Mats - Nestabilities 'Classic and scalloped circles'
* Everything else from my stash

The miri card is actually silver, so why it's looking quite goldy in the photo I don't know and the crystal brads are much more sparkly in real life too! I think I may have to have words with my personal photographer as this is not quite up to his usual standards lol!
As I've got lots of sparkle on this I'm entering it into La-La's challenge which is for 'Sparkle'.

Sketch Saturday #73

Hi everyone, well you had a day without Tilda yesterday, but she's back again today lol!
As soon as I saw this week's fabulous sketch for Sketch Saturday I knew it was the perfect opportunity to show off my latest (and sweetest) little girl. Absolutely too cute to spook!

Card Details:
* Image - Magnolia 'So Spooky Tilda'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Papers - Papermania and glitter card
* Alphabet peel offs - Dawn Bibby
* Glitter - Stickles 'Black Diamond' & 'Frosted Lace'
* Everything else from my stash

I have been visiting my favourite blogs, as usual, but haven't had time to leave comments recently so I'm hoping to put this right and get some serious blog hopping done this weekend.
The plan then is to concentrate on getting some non-challenge cards done for the next few days, but you know the old saying 'the best laid plans...' so we'll see how things go. Who knows I may even be back with another Tilda card again lol!

Autumn Challenges

Hi everyone I'm back again, our friends are still driving down, so I had time to whip up a quick card before they arrive for lunch.
I'm entering this card for 2 challenges, the first is Mo's Digital Challenge. I missed the first challenge (don't know how that happened!) but this second one is to use colours that remind you of 'Fall' and only use 2 embellishments. Obviously you have to use one of Mo's wonderful images and I've chosen 'Jordan multitasking'.
The next challenge is the first ever on By the Cute and Girly (don't you just LOVE that name?) and is called 'Autumn Glory'. This new challenge blog is monthly, so hopefully I may get to enter each month as that's enough time, even for ME!
Well I think this card covers both of them, at least I hope it does!

Card Details:
* Image - Digital Pencil 'Jordan multitasking'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Papers - K & Co and Papermania
* Everything else from my stash

Thank you to all of you who were kind enough to leave me some more lovely comments and I hope I'll see you again tomorrow with another card...Did I hear you say, "miracles will never cease"? lol!!

A Spoon Full of Sugar #73

Hi everyone, I've scheduled this post so I hope it's worked!
Today's card is for the Spoon Full of Sugar challenge, which this week is a wonderful sketch by Caryn.
Yet another Tilda, I promise I'll try to move on from Tilda's for the next few cards LOL!
I don't really know what's happening to my colour combos at the moment, I seem to have gone all spring and summery, maybe it's a reaction to the chilly weather and dark evenings we've started getting now.

Card Details:
* Image - Magnolia 'Tilda with Tulips'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Papers - K & Co and Raspberry Road digitals
* Paper ribbons - part of a Diane Rooney digital kit
* Sentiment - PC generated
* Everything else from my stash

I may be back later today or tomorrow with another card. You've heard of the saying 'strike while the iron's hot', well mine seems to be on full steam at the moment so I have to make the most of it before that pesky Mojo goes on holiday again LOL!

Just Magnolia #26

Hi everyone, well I did warn you that I was in the mood for challenges didn't I?
Here's another one, this time for Just Magnolia which is very appropriate seeing as I can't seem to stop colouring Tildas at the moment!
This week's sketch is by the lovely Mina and I thought it was a great one, not too fussy. I've tried to keep the colours a little more subtle this time which I think I prefer.
This challenge finishes tomorrow, so I'm only just in time (there's a surprise then, NOT!) I do like this sweet little girl but 'Jam Tilda' seems a very strange name, or is it just me that thinks that?

Card Details:
* Image - Magnolia 'Jam Tilda'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Papers - K & Co
* Sentiment Tag - part of birthday prezzie stash
* Everything else from my stash

We have my Best Friend and her hubby visiting tomorrow on their way to Southampton for a cruise starting on Saturday. We worked out that we haven't seen them for about 3 years, so I'm really excited about it. I do miss cruising, but now that we're both retired the pennies just won't allow, unfortunately.
I may schedule a post for yet ANOTHER challenge for tomorrow, yes, I've got a few lined up on my table waiting to be completed so I can do some more colouring, good 'cos I love it so much. Just thought .... maybe it's the fumes from those alcohol pens that make me so addicted to it LOL!

Passion for Promarkers #21

I've been wanting to join in with this challenge since it started, it's now week 21 and this is the first time I've managed it!!
The challenge this week is a sketch and you can use any colours you wish.

I had an overwhelming urge yesterday to start colouring some Tildas, hence the image. Colouring really is my favourite occupation!
I also decided that I don't use blue enough for my cards, I always admire this colour used on other people's cards, so blue it was.

Card Details:
* Image - Magnolia 'Tilda with Bike'
* Sentiment - Woodware 'Circular Greetings'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Papers - Crafty Ann and Raspberry Road
* Yellow flowers - part of a birthday prezzie stash of goodies.
* Everything else from my stash.

I'm 'in the mood' for some challenges at the moment, so I'm making the most of it. I have to say there are some fabby ones about at the moment, so expect to see lots more from me for a while LOL!

My Birthday Cards

Hi everyone, firstly I'd like to mention the lovely comments you continue to leave me, I enjoy reading each and every one and they give me such encouragement, so thank you.
I eventually managed to get DH to photograph my cards, but as I received so many he couldn't just take one photo, believe it or not, each card really has only been photographed once. I think at the last count I'd received about 50, just unbelievable!! A huge thank you to everyone who sent them to me, some of you spoilt me even further by also sending goodies which I'm really looking forward to playing with, so watch this space!

I'll be back either later today or tomorrow with a card, but for now please share my beautiful birthday cards with me, they are all stunning!

Sketch & Stash Challenge # 21

It's now challenge number 21 at Sketch & Stash, just unbelievable!!! Where does the time go?
Thanks to all of you who joined in last time, I had so much enjoyment from visiting your blogs and seeing all your fabulous creations, and I do hope that you'll try to join in again this time as Becky has yet another of her wonderful sketches.
If you need any inspiration just look at the amazing cards from the other girls on the DT!
I just had to use another of Mo's brilliant images again, I think this one captures teenage girls just perfectly!

Card Details:
* Image - Mo's Digital Pencil Too 'Psst Dani and Taylor'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Papers - K & Co
* Everything else from my stash

Candy is now closed!!!

While I was catching up with some of my favourite blogs today I noticed that Heather was having problems with her blog counter. I decided to take a look at mine only to find it had disappeared altogether!! I have no idea where or why it's gone, all I know is I'm so upset not to have the number of visits.

I wanted to celebrate all my (now missing!) visits, along with my forthcoming birthday by offering some Candy.
It's not as much as I would like, so I'll be adding some bits and bobs from my stash to fatten it up a little bit, but if you'd like to take part just leave me a comment below this post and a link from your blog, simple as that!
I'll draw the candy on 4th October so you have until 11.30pm on the 3rd to join in.

UPDATE - BLOG CANDY WINNER

Well, it's now 11.38pm on Saturday 3rd October and I've had a wonderful birthday. I had so many gorgeous cards and lots of crafting goodies from my fabulous 'crafty' friends and I'll get some photos done and put on my blog soon so that you can share them all with me.
I've just made hubby pick a name out of the box for my birthday candy, so here we go.....
Drum roll please...
The winner is..........

Jan from Jan's Cards, Crafts and Musings

so Jan, Congratulations, please e-mail me your details and I'll get your goodies sent out.

Whiff of Joy - Challenge #50

Hi everyone, it just doesn't seem possible, but Whiff of Joy has been around for a whole year!!!
To celebrate this they have some amazing candy giveaways from the DT at the challenge Blog Hop and also a fabulous Grand Prize from Katharina, check it out at the Whiff of Joy challenge blog where this week's challenge is a wonderful sketch by Rachel

Card Details:
* Image - Whiff of Joy 'Kneeling Willow'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Papers - K & Co and DCWV
* Everything else from my stash

DU2DS #22

Hi everyone, today's card is for this week's DU2DS challenge which is to use punched shapes or die cuts on your project which must also include a digital image. I've never entered this challenge before, I've been meaning to for ages and I was determined to make it this time.
The image on my card is another stunner from Mo's Digital Pencil. When I was purchasing my beautiful Holly fairy a few other images just fell into my basket (I think she must have wobbly shelves in there LOL!)
My die cuts are my beloved nestie scalloped circles and classic circles and also a couple of little christmas trees
.
Card Details:
* Image - Mo Manning's 'Bronte & Bella Ice Skating'
* Colouring medium - Promarkers
* Papers - Hot off the Press
* Mats - Nestability circles (scalloped & standard)
* Everything else from my stash

Well, tomorrow is my birthday and judging by the amount of post I've received I could well be opening cards all day LOL! I'm so excited and I'll try to pop a piccy up once I've opened them and put them on display, so you can all share them with me.
Meanwhile my candy closes tomorrow night at 11.30pm so please hurry if you haven't already entered.

Finally another thank you to all of you who make my day by leaving me such lovely comments.