'Flying High!'

Oh I can't believe my card is 7 days late, how bad is that? I just hope I don't get the sack lol! I'm sure Shaz my boss over at Sparkles Monthly will forgive me.

Well as you have guessed my card was due on the 15th & I just totally forgot about it until one of the girls mentioned the date. Bad thing about realising I had forgot was we were on our hols, so I couldn't do anything until today. But I did enjoy colouring this cutie!

This month over at 'Sparkles Monthly' we have a fab theme for you to follow

'UP, UP & AWAY!'

your creation must have balloons on, either hot air or party!

I have had this stamp for ages & never inked him up. I decided to do lots of decoupage making him a bit more dimensional!

Challenges I Would Like To Enter

Bearly Mine- fab sketch

Twist of Faith- animals

C.... is For Challenge- animals

The Crazy Challenge- animals

Images & Colouring Medium

Image- 'Turtle Flying High' by Marianne D

Tim Holtz distress inks from Natalie & Amy's

Balloons- festive berries, salty ocean, mustard seed & picked raspberry

Seat- gathered twigs

Turtle (heads, legs & arms) forest moss & gathered twigs

Shell- stormy sky, faded jeans & broken china

Body plate- gathered twigs & antique linen

Papers & Embellishments

All DP- 'Bubblegum Girl' by Grace Taylor

My stash- pink card & sentiment

Tools & Glues

Collall all purpose glue from Natalie & Amy's

Collall 3D glue with tools from Natalie & Amy's

Sizzix Bigshot

Ecraft

'Scalloped Rectangle frame' die cut by Nellie Snellon MFD008

'Lace border #7' die cut by Die'sire

Clouds cut on my Ecraft using free SVG by Free SVG's

6" square card blank from Natalie & Amy's

This month we are sponsored by the fab 'Crafty Ribbons'

the winner will receive a £10 voucher to spend.

I am really sorry I haven't visited you all lately I will be around sometime today! Please pop over to the main Sparkles blog & see what fab creations the DT have made!

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'Fizzy Is Back'

Oh what a fab day we had on Saturday at the 'Summer of Crafting' in Doncaster! Myself & Kim did lots of giggling & spending, it was a fantastic day! Thanks you so much Kim, can't wait for you to come over to ours, so I can introduce you & David to our girlies, Charlie dawg, Freddie the gheko & of course Saxon the wolf!! We are gonna have a fab time!

Anyhoos I have got a bit sidetracked, today's card was made last minute yesterday....I have no idea what my brain is doing at the moment, I looked at the date for the craft fair & thought oh I best get my Sparkles card done before I go, because I'm gonna want to do on the Sunday is sleep! Oops no idea when it fell out of my brain but it did, I only realised it was due today when I was watching England beat Australia in the Ashes (happy dance) & the date came up on the TV for the 2nd test, then oh boy did I panic!!!

I just loved 'Fizzy Moon' when he first came out a few years ago & ended up buying all of the stamps & papers, but these new ones are so cute & cheap just perfect for a CAS creation....well that's what it was meant to be, but I had lots of fun making this card & even if it was rushed I am really happy with the and result! Wow!! who knew I could write so much....I just hope it makes sense lol I am soooooooooooooooooo tired..xx

So right on with this months Sparkles challenge where we want to see your creations with

AUTUMN COLOURS!

Challenges I Would Like To Enter

Sunday Sketch & Stamp- perfect sketch!
Addicted To Stamps- lots of layers

Penny Black & More- dies & punches
Word Play Saturday- Birthdays

Image & Colouring Medium

Image- 'Fizzy Moon, Celebrate' 

Derwent Inktense pencils

'Fizzy'- willow, saddle brown, tan & tangerine

Balloons- light olive, apple green & shiraz

Gift box- ionian green, tangerine & cadmium orange

Champagne flute- sicilian yellow & deep blue

'dusty concord' distress ink by Tim Holtz from Natalie & Amy's

Papers & Embellishments

DP- 'Desert Bloom' by 1st Edition 

My stash- brown card, 3mm & 4mm chocolate pearls

Tools & Glues

'Collall all purpose glue' from Natalie & Amy's

'Collall 3D glue with tools' from Natalie & Amy's

Sizzix Bigshot

'Stix2' pick up tool

'5" scalloped square card blank' from Natalie & Amy's

'Tab with Text' die cut & sentiment by Marianne D COL1315

'Riviera Corner' die cut  by Memory Box 98372 from Natalie & Amy's

'Eastern Round' die cut by Nellie Snellon MFD010 from Natalie & Amy's

'Star Dust' Stickles from Natalie & Amy's

I have used part of the 'Riviera Corner' & also cut my own faux 'Eastern Round'

This month we are sponsored by the fab Di's Digi Downloads, the winner will receive a $10 voucher to spend instore

Thank you for stopping by today, I hope you all managed to stay awake to get to the end lol!

Hugs xx

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'Steampunk or Vintage'

 Just to let you know, how Nige did. He managed to walk up & down Ben Nevis with no problems, but when he went to walk up Scafell Pike his back gave out on him. My poor boy, after months of training only managed Ben Nevis......but that is ok because he had already done the other two before. He is now home & safe where he belongs, I might be able to sleep tonight!

Even tho he didn't manage to finish it all I am still so proud of my gorgeous hubby xx

Today erm sorry yesterday was the start of this months Sparkles challenge. I totally forgot what day it was, with both of the girls taking exams & Nige away from Thursday doing his walk, my brain was total mush!!!

So what's the theme I hear you ask, well I must admit I really enjoyed making this card & Abigale was fab to colour in!

'STEAMPUNK or VINTAGE'

Challenges I Would Like To Enter

Sandy's Crafty Creations- embossed background

Alphabet Challenge- I for image

Left Of Centre- embossing

Seize The Birthday- fab sketch

Divas By Design- Happy Birthday!

Image & Colouring Mediums

Image- 'Abigale' by The Stamping Chef

Derwent Inktense pencils & Promarkers

Skin- dusky pink & blush

Eyes- deep blue

Hair- charcoal grey, dark chocolate, willow & red oxide

Goggles- sepia ink, dark purple, dusky purple & golden yellow

Boots- dark purple, dusky purple, sepia ink & sienna gold

Clothes- sepia ink, bark, dark purple, dusky purple & sienna gold

Papers & Embellishments

DP- 'Chronology' by Papermania

My stash- mirri card & sentiment

Purple paper by Kodak

Tools & Glues

'Collall all purpose glue' from Natalie & Amy's

'Collall 3D glue with tools' from Natalie & Amy's

'Steampunk' embossing folder by Darice

'Brown' Core'dinations 'Neutrals' stack from Natalie & Amy's

Sizzix Bigshot

'Cogs' cut on my Ecraft using an SVG by Platypus Creek

Embossing & cogs distressed with my sand block

'5 x 7" card blank' from Natalie & Amy's

We have a fantastic sponsor this month Crafty Ribbons, who are offering the winner a bunch of gorgeous ribbon which you can see here!

Please pop over & see what fab creations the DT have made, don't forget you have until the 13th of June to enter, so no rush!

I'm off to snuggle with Nige & catch up on the TV!

Hugs xx

'Zebra's'

This is my first post for today, please pop back later to see my creation for The Perfect Sentiment!

Hugs x

Its the start of a new challenge over at Sparkles Monthly, where this month we want to see your 

MONOCHROMATIC!

creations. So you need to create something all in the same colour, you can use 

different shades of the same colour!

Challenges I Would Like To Enter
Creative Craft-  just checking
Bearly Mine- choose 3....die cut, ribbon & flowers
Incy Wincy- animal antics

Goodies I Have Used

Image- 'Zebras' by Delicious Doodles

5" square card blank 

Papers & Embellishments

DP- 'Checks' by The Papercellar

Back card, ribbon, sentiment & dew drops my stash

'Flower' stamp by Papermania

Flower stamped using 'tuxedo black' memento from Natalie & Amy's

'Vintage Leaf' die cut by Joy Crafts 6003/0032

This month we are sponsored by Crafty Ribbons!

Thank you for stopping by today, please pop over & see what fab creations the Sparkles DT have made this month! Don't forget there is a fab prize up for grabs!

Hugs xx

'With Love, From Bamboo'

Well we managed to get Danni a dress for her prom, its gorgeous! Very Danni, not girlie lol!! Just got to find the shoes to go with it now. Then its sorted until next year, when we have to do it all over again for Katie!

Today is the start of the new monthly challenge over at Sparkles, where this month we want to see

HEARTS!

on you creation....I decided to make Nige a card just to let him know I loves him lots!

Under my sentiment I have used the 'corner bow' die cut, but have cut it in half so it looks like a flourish!

Challenges I Would Like To Enter

Crafty Catz- fab sketch

Gingerloft- for the guys (for my hubby)

Di's Digi Downloads- use a bear (hope panda counts as a bear)

Card Crafters Circle- die cuts

Auds Sentiments- for a man (for my hubby)

Goodies I Have Used

Image & sentiment- from the 'Love From Bamboo' stamp set from the 'Party Paws' collection from Natalie & Amy's

5" square card blank from Natalie & Amy's

Prisma pencils & Sansodor

Papers & Embellishments

DP- 'Bubblegum Girl' by Grace Taylor

'Scalloped Oval' die cut by Sizzix 66756

'Corner Bow' die cut by Memory Box 98371 from Natalie & Amy's

'Precious Hearts' die cut by Memory Box 98474 from Natalie & Amy's

'Candy Hearts GB' die cuts by Marianne D COL1307

Blue paper by Kodak

Blue pearls & ribbon my stash

This month we are sponsored by Di's Digi downloads, the winner will receive $10 gift voucher to spend.

Thank you for stopping by today, I will hopefully be around later to say hi to you all! Please if you have time pop over to the main challenge blog & see what fab creations the DT have made!

Hugs xx

Get Well Soon!

It's time for a new challenge over at Sparkles Monthly & this month its

BIRDS!

that we want to see on your creations!

I loved making this card, bit strange not having anything to colour but I do like the finished look.

Challenges I Would Like To Enter

Flutter By Wednesday- any winged creature

365 cards- texture (wood & embossing)

LEJ Designs- things with wings

Goodies I Have Used

Wooden bird cage from my stash

4" square card blank from Natalie & Amy's

Papers & Embellishments

Sentiment, black card & leather twine my stash

'White pearlized' card from Create & Craft

'Ivy' embossing folder by Sheena Douglass

Colour distressing done using Tim Holtz 'pine needles' from Natalie & Amy's

'Branch Garden' die cut by Marianne D LR0151 (cut up) from Natalie & Amy's

This month we are sponsored by the fab Lili Of The Valley with a £10 voucher for the winner to spend! 

Thank you for stoping by today, please pop over to the main Sparkles challenge blog & see what fab 'Bird' creations the DT have made!

Lace It Up!

Its time for a new monthly challenge over at Sparkles, where this month we want you to

LACE IT UP!!

so this month we want to see lace on your creation or you could lace something up like a shoe or corset!!

 I have used a gorgeous stamp set & papers that I got free in a magazine this month. Just love the colours & he was a dream to colour!

Challenges I Would Like To Enter

Kathy's Waffle Sketch- just loved playing with this sketch

The Stamping Chef- ribbon or lace

Anything Goes Challenge- vintage/shabby chic

Happy Campers- shabby chic

Goodies I Have Used

Image & sentiment- 'Patchwork Owl' by Woodware (free with mag)

5" square card blank from Natalie & Amy's

Promarkers & Flexmarkers

Owl- aquamarine, cool aqua, sorbet, pink mittens, tulip yellow, buttercup, march hare & morning mist

Branch- tan, march hare, leaf green, meadow green, sorbet & pink mittens

Papers & Embellishments

DP- by 'Woodware' (free with mag)

Kraft card by Papermania from Natalie & Amy's

Lace my stash

'Circle' die cut from the 'Doily' set by Nellie Snellen MFD020

This month we are sponsored by 'Floppy Latte!' The winner will receive a $6 voucher to spend instore!

Please pop over & see what fab 'Lace It Up!' creations my teamies have made this month to inspire you!

Hugs xx

Die Cuts & Flowers!

This is my second post for today, please scroll down to see my A&T creation! 

Hugs xx

Its the start of a fab new challenge over at Sparkles monthly, you have until the 14th of February to get your creations in.....this month I  have chosen the theme which is

DIE CUTS & FLOWERS!!

I know most of us have an obsession with die cuts, I know I do lol! They are just one of the best things ever invented in my eyes. I still love my Ecraft but die cutting is so much quicker! Anyhoos I hope you will join in with us this month for the chance to win a fab prize, details at the bottom of my post!

Challenges I Would Like To Enter

Sketch & Stash- sketch & vintage (old prismas, new papers & stamp)

Crafty Bloggers- flowers

Vintage Stamping- vintage

Goodies I Have Used

Image- 'Rose' by Local King Rubber Stamp

6" square scalloped card blank from Natalie & Amy's

Prisma pencils & sansodor

Papers & Embellishments

DP- 'Dark Vintage' by Marianne D from Natalie & Amy's

Label die cut?

Border die cut? 

Butterfly stamp 'Flying Colours' by Sheena Douglas from Natalie & Amy's

Sentiment?

Pink gems my stash

Colour distressing done using Tim Holtz vintage photo

Brown card my stash

This month we are sponsored by the fab Di's Digi Downloads, the winner will receive $10 voucher to spend!

Thank you for stopping by today, please pop over & see what fab creations the Sparkles girls have made!

Hugs xx

New Baby Humphrey!

This is my second post for today, please scroll down to see my, My Time To Craft creation!
hugs xx

Brrrr its blinking freezing today! Roll on Spring lol! Don't get me wrong I love the snow, but its

 the cold that comes with it I hate!

This months challenge over at Sparkles Monthly is

ANYTHING GOES!

Ant one of Nige's work colleagues & also one of the numpty's that go walking on a Sunday morning for miles in all weathers!! What's that all about? Mid-life crisis me thinks lol! Just in case Nige looks at my blog I best tell you lol.....Nige & about 7 other lads from work are doing the 3 peaks walk next June for charity, so they are in training!  Anyhoos got sidetracked lol back to Ant, his wife gave birth to a gorgeous little boy, so I went to my card box & what no baby boy cards, nope loadsa girlie ones tho! Wonder why lol!!

So this is what I have made for them, hope they like it!

I just loved colouring this little cutie!

Challenges I Would Like To Enter

Seems A Little Sketchy- fab sketch

Crafty Catz- new beginnings

ATC's & Cards with attitude- anything goes

Goodies I Have Used

Images & sentiment- 'New Baby' set from Humphrey's Corner from Natalie & Amy's

6" square petal edge card blank

Spectrum Noirs from Natalie & Amy's

Humphrey- IG3, IG2, IG1 & PP1

Blankie- TB5, TB4 & TB3

Ground- BG3, BG2 & BG1

Bear- GB9, GB8, GB7, PP2 & PP1

Bunnie- TN3, TN2, TN1, PP2 & PP1

Papers & Embellishments

Blue paper by Kodak

DP- 'New Arrival' Forever Friends by Docrafts

Aqua divine twine

'Back to Basics II' mini buttons from Natalie & Amy's

Dummy charm my stash

'Label Nestie' die cut by X-cut

This month we are sponsored by the fab Digital Delights, make sure you pop over here to see what great prize you could win & also take a look at what fab creations my teamies have made!

I hope you all have a fab weekend, stay safe & warm 

Im sorry to say I think I'm coming down with this flu that Nige & Katie have got, keep your fingers crossed a swift whiskey will sort it out. If not I'll be happier anyhoos lol!! xx

Hugs xx

Christmas Is Coming!!

First before I get to my card for today, I want to say a huge thank you for the cards that you sent for Katie & the emails, texts & phone calls of support we have received  You truly are great friends I wish I could give each & everyone of you a huge hug xx 

A huge special thank you to Hazel (Didos) & Kim for your support &
for just being there for me! xxx

A quick update on what's happened over the last two weeks. Katie went back to school & seemed to be managing ok, other than the odd text from her saying that she didn't like sitting next to an empty chair things seemed to be ok....until we found out the date for the funeral (which is next Monday, 3 weeks from when Jess passed) Katie has just gone downhill. Getting into bed with us, which she didn't even do as a baby! Really clingy not wanting Danni her elder sister out of her sight & lying on our bed until I've gone to sleep making sure I'm ok! I'm hoping that after the funeral things will slowly get back to normal. I know things will never be the same for Katie, but I'm hoping the funeral will give her the chance to say goodbye xx
I will be popping around to visit you all soon, as I have Katie off school at the moment I'm spending time with her! Hopefully after Monday my crafty routine will be back to normal!

Anyhoos enough of that, I can't believe its 2 weeks since I posted & in that time I have made two cards lol. One for a GDT in December & today's creation which is for Sparkles Monthly! Where this month

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!

so get out all your cute Christmas image & join in the fun with us!

 These little racoon's are so sweet & fab to colour, I just love them!

Challenges I Would Like To Enter

A Die For A Sketch- fab sketch

Crafts & Me- Christmas but none traditional colours

My Moms Craft Shop- Winter wonderland

LEJ Designs- Seasons Greetings

Goodies I Have Used

Image- 'Christmas Wishes' from the Mulberry Wood collection from Natalie & Amy's

6" card blank from Natalie & Amy's

Spectrum Noirs from Natalie & Amy's

Tree trunk- EB5, TN4 & TN3

Leaves & trees- LG5, CG3 & CG1

Racoon's- GB10, GB9, GB8, GB7, IG6, IG5 & IG2

Cardinals- CR6, DR3, DR2 & GB5

Ground- BT2, BT1 & IB1

Papers & Embellishments

DP- from the 'Mulberry Wood' Christmas CD from Natalie & Amy's

'Star dust' Stickles from Natalie & Amy's

'Branch garden' die cut by Marianne D LR0135 from Natalie & Amy's

'Icicles' die cut by Marianne D LR0135 from Natalie & Amy's

Green & blue paper by Kodak

Sentiment from the Mulberry Wood stamp set called 'Giving' from Natalie & Amy's

Colour distressing done using 'Phthalo Blue' Panpastel from Natalie & Amy's

We have a fab prize for you this month 'Lily Of The Valley' with a £10 voucher for the winner!!

Thank you so much for stopping by today, it means a lot.....huge hugs xx

Please take a few minutes to pop over & see what fab creations the Sparkles Monthly DT have made for your inspiration!

Away With The Fairies!

If you are looking for the CYP BLOG HOP you will find my post here!


Its time of the month, where we see the start of a fab new challenge over at Sparkles Monthly. Where this month we want to see your

AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES!

I decided to use my Pan Pastels that I got from Natalie & Amy's & a fab stamp set I got 

at the craft fair in Doncaster!

Please be gentle this is the first time I've used my Pan Pastels! I'm going to frame this & put it on our bedroom wall lol!

Challenges I Would Like To  Enter
Bloggers- silhouettes
Raise The Bar- anything with wings

Goodies I Have Used

All stamps from the 'Essential Fairy' collection by Alys Inky Fingers

Pan Pastels from Natalie & Amy's

Colours used- magenta, magenta shade, violet & violet shade

'Star dust' stickles from Natalie & Amy's 

Ink pads used- black Memento & clear emboss

Circle die cut from the doily set by Nellie Snellon MFD020

Mountains done using ripped scrap paper

This month we are sponsored by the fab Di's Digi Downloads

I had so much fun using this great product, can't wait to get some more lol!

Thank you for stopping by please pop over to the main challenge blog & see what fab 'fairy' creations my teamies have made!

Hugs xx

Dilly Duck!

WOW! Where has the last month gone? It doesn't seem five minutes since I made those wedding invites for my friend, but it was a month ago.....mmmmm must be getting old!

I'm 40 next October & Nige keeps winding me up saying I'm 40 next year, I just say well your nearer to 50 than me as he is nearly 6 years older than me lololol!! 

Anyhoos enough yapping from me & on with this months Sparkles Monthly Challenge, where this month we want to see your

NATURE

creations, I was planing on decorating a frame with my Woodland creatures, but then I saw who the sponsor was & just had to use one of Wendy super cute images!

Challenges I Would Like To Enter

Fetch A Sketch- great sketch

Bunny Zoe's- summer

Craft Your Passion- gone buggy

Truly Madly Crafty- summer fun

Goodies I Have Used

Image- 'Dilly Duck with her Ladybug' by Digital Delights

5" square card blank

Promarkers & Flexmarkers

Dilly Duck- gold, sunflower, yellow, pumpkin & amber

Ladybug- poppy, lipstick red & ice grey 4

Grass- forest green, grass & chartreuse

Sky- soft aqua

Papers & Embellishments

Yellow card & ladybug my stash

Sentiment off the 'Floral Maze' DB014 stamp sheet by Dawn Bibby

DP- 'Country Drive' by Echo Park

Organza bee Forever Friends ribbon by Docrafts

Our sponsor for this month is Digital Delights! with a $5 voucher for the winner

We also have a prize unclaimed from last month, so there is also a LOTV voucher up for grabs!

So two chances to win this month!

Thank you for stopping by, please pop over to the main challenge blog & see what fab creations my teamies have made!

Hugs xx

Clean & Simples!

My friend asked me to make her 100 wedding invites, by this weekend & only asked me last week.....well I told her I might be able to as long as there were really simples, no faff & stuff!

Well she wanted so much putting on them there was no chance, I wouldn't even get half of them done!! So I managed to convince her to go clean & simple! I hope you like it, I do at the moment but I'm sure when I've made 100 of them I won't lol!!! I've had these embossing folders for about 3 years & have never used them, so I thought I'd give her an assortment of cards!


These also fit nicely into this months Sparkles challenge which is


WEDDINGS!!

Goodies I Have Used
3 inch square scalloped card blanks
Pink & cream pearlised card from Create & Craft
Ribbon & gems my stash
Embossing folder by Provocraft

Our sponsor this month is Di's Digi Downloads the winner will receive $10 to spend
on her gorgeous digi images!

thank you for stopping by today, please pop over to the main challenge blog & see what fab 'wedding' creations my teamies have made!

Hugs xx