Xmas gifts 2009

Whilst I was in Texas visiting friends who were kind enough to pay for our tickets to get there I went to a wonderful store called Hobby Lobby.

They have a huge range of crafting stuff, I found these little bags and just had to have them as I knew I could make something from them.

I set to work when I got home started stitching. I made four very diferent bags for friends and placed some chocolate into each bag as a Christmas present.

I tried to choose things that each person liked and used colours that would compliment each bag.

I added some extra embelishments to finish off each project and to make it personal.

I wish I had bought more of them they are so useful and make lovely little gifts. I am hoping to find some like them in England but no luck so far.

Cross Stitch Cushion

I made this little cushion by hand I also made the filler for it as well. The design was a kit and I loved making it. I have never made anything like this before. The chairs were the hardest part as they are a little fiddly but I think it turned out ok in the end.

I saved the chart and may do it again later on, only problem is I will not have the same colours unless I send off for them.

The cushion was made from fabric I had left over from covering a chair seat ages ago. I don't have a sewing machine so I hand stitch everything I make. It takes longer to do things but it keeps me busy.

Back online at home

At last I am back on line at home so I can get back to doing all the things I love.
It has been far too long and I am hoping to get back in the swing of things soon.
Lots going at here we are to get new windows installed on the 7th December. The Council has finally been able to put some money into the kitty and get the much needed repairs and stuff done. The window frames we have at present are wooden and rotten to the point they are unsafe. So the new windows will be really welcomed. No more nasty drafts plus I will be able to open windows again. One has been sealed to stop the drafts and to make it safer.
Well I want to get some pics added to my blog so I will do that now I hope everyone will soon be back and seeing what I have been doing.

I Won Blog Candy

I am so happy I won some blog candy on Cazzys Blog yippeee I love it.
A big thank you to Cazzy for the candy I got some lovely wording to use on my cards etc.
I will be sorting some out to use on a birthday card that I will, be making for my brothers girlfriend. If I can I will get a picof it posted up its a bit fiddly now as I have to use the scanner at the library and they only have one and if that computer is in use I have to wait and that can take ages sometimes.
Still I can tell you all about it and post a pic of it as and when I can.

No Computer at Home

Well we have a few problems at home the main one being no computer it sort of blew up. It is going to be very expensive to repair so we are using the computers in the library.
The result is I will be finding a new way to get pictures loaded up so I can use them.
We will be saving up for a lap top as it will take up less space and hopefully be easier for us as well.
So I will be around and I will be posting about what I am making ad fingers crossed adding pics as well. The library has one computer that has a scanner but that computer is often in use so it makes it hard to use it.

Bird House X stitch

This birdhouse kit was a little awkward. The reason being the pattern is too big for the frame. It is supposed to have a bird sitting on the roof. Put the bird on the roof and the whole thing looks silly as the bird is far too large.
So I made an alteration so it would fit the frame provided in the kit. I omitted the bird and added more flowers on the right hand side so they go around the bird house.
This is not the first time this has happened and I am very careful about counting the stitches to make sure I am getting it right. I have written to the makers and will see what they say about it. The last time I did not bother but as it has happened again and from the same supplier I will have a little moan about it.
The end result looks pretty though but that is not the point the pattern is wrong and should have been spotted or a larger frame provided.

Fushia Key Fob

This is a small cross stitch project that I did for a friend who is going to celebrate her 10th Wedding Anniversary. She loves flowers and I thought this would be something a little different.
Cross stitch is something that I had not tried until a year ago and decided to give it a go. I started off with a small kit that I found for 50pence. I found I liked it and got more and began making things for friends as gifts. I usually make something small as I like being able to complete something in a couple of days.
This was a kit, you get everything you need and all you have to do is follow the instructions. It is a nice way of giving something personal and something that you have made. Cross stitching is easy to do and the effects are pretty as well.
I want to get some magazines with patterns so I can make some things for cards as well. I can sit and do that whilst recovering from my operation in August.

Box and Bracelets

I made this box and bracelets to give to someone as a RAK on ATC's for All

The box is an old tub that I had it once held some cream, I kept the tub as I thought it would be useful. I used some painted thin acryilic sheet as the top and covered it with some bonding material. The iron made the acrylic crinkle and gave it a nice texture. I used peach coloured lace around the edge and placed a peach rose and pink ribbon to give it a soft feminine look.

Inside I covered the base with some felt so the box can be used as a small trinket box. Iused some felt on the bottom of the tub as well so it will sit nicely on any surface.

The bracelets are made from beads that I had and threaded them onto some elastic, I added a catch so they can be opened if needed.

The all blue bracelet is a little different as I used two pieces of elastic and threaded beads onto each piece then used a larger bead to hold them in place over both pieces of elastic. It gives the apperance of a twist and looks effective when it is on your wrist.

I don't make jewelery as a rule but these were fun to make and something a little different for me.

Lots to do

Time has flown by and I seem to have been busy making all sorts of things. I made the altered art tin in the picture and the jars as well.

The jars were part of a Challenge on Quirky Crafts. I painted the glass free hand and the tin as well. Not the greatest art work in the world but they look effective. One jar is for incense sticks the other for candles. I used acrylic paint on both jars.

The tin:

I used a slimfast tin and painted it with about three layers of gesso allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. I used some stamping ink pads to add colour ( pink and blue), I then started on the tree and used acrylic paint along with Sharpie pens. The grass and flowers were last to be painted. The lid can be used either on the bottom of the tin or as a lid. I use it to store some of my arty bits in it looks nicer than a plain slimfast tin.

I have also been making some cross stitch items as gifts for people so not a lot of time for making cards. When I have posted the items off I will add pics of what I have made, that way no one see anything before I want them to.

Crafty Pad Challenge 23

Crafty Pad Challenge 23 was to follow the sketch. I may be too late with this challenge but I have enjoyed making the card just the same.

I chose Faith in a Frame asa the image. I used some mottled pink velum for the background. The strips were created from some scrap paer I had that contrated well with the velum.I used some self sticking ribbon to gon the top. Palin pink paper was used as the background for the image. I chose some pink paper that had stars on it and stamped over the top making sure one star was on Faith's face.
I coloured in her hair and added some bronze and gold streaks to it. The strip next to the image is corrogated card and I placed the sentiment over Happy Birthday the top. A pink ribbon top right adds that extra feminine touch and the heart adds sparkle. I liked this sketch it is simple yet challenging.

PaperTake Weekly Challenge

The challenge was titled Scrap This, the idea was to use any scraps we have in the making of our cards.
I wanted to create a card for a friend of ours who lives in America, his birthday is in July. I used a grey paper for the background with stars on it and chose contrasting grey papers to go with it. I chose two plain papers for the strips and a patterned paper for the square. The black paper was used as a mount for the scrap of paper that I used with the Eiffel Tower on it. The beer mug helps brighten the card and the ribbon adds the finshing touch and helps frame the card. The sentiment Happy Birthday sits in the top right corner.
This was fun to do and a good way of using up bits and pieces.

Quirky Craft

A new craft board has arrived on the scene it is warm and friendly and full of fun things to do. So why not come along and see what it is all about and join in the fun.

The site is new and we would welcome you warmly. You can join in the swaps and challenges there or maybe you have a joke or game you would like to share.

You can find a link for Quirky Crafts in the side bar or HERE

Friday Sketchers Challenge 52

Friday Sketchers provided a great sketch to work with and one I enjoyed using.

The card I chose to make was a Birthday card.

I chose a soft pink background paper that looks feminine and gentle. The text paper has Happy Birthday on it and contrasts well with the background and the central paper with the image on it. The central paper has elements of the colours used in the whole card. The image is Crafty Pads Just Ted, I used distressed ink to colour the paper, using felt tip colouring pen I drew around the image to define the image. I used a lilac check paper for the semi-circles as it goes well with the background paper. I placed two floral embelishments on it to add interest and to contrast well with the pink ribbon. The sentiment Happy Birthday gives the finishing touch to the card.

This was fun to make and I enjoyed using the sketch.

Crafty Pad Challenge 22

The challenge was to make a card using the theme 'Shine' so I came up with this.
I used pale yellow paper as the background as it is fresh looking and has leaves in it. Next came an orange and yellow paper with flowers on it to represent sunny days. I framed it with some gold card and used gold floral brads and a yellow flower to add the shine to the card. The image is faith Face that I used to look like a flower.
All the papers used are paper scraps that I got in a swap. Swapping paper scraps is a great way to get new paper to use for making your cards.

Raspbery Ribbons 21

The Challnege was to use the sketch and to make sure the card had some ribbon on it as well.

I chose to use Crafty Pad stamp Faith Dream.

I chose a background paper with leaves to give it a drifting feel to the theme. A bright yellow embossed paper with flowers and leaves was next to continue the theme and a pale yellow paper for the image. I placed a yellow ribbon behind the image and made a bow in the same ribbon. A flower was added in the bottom right in peach and rust as a complete contrast, whilst the brocade along the bottom adds a touch of opulsance to the card. I chose to go with the sentiment Birthday Wishes as it seemed to go with the overall feel of the card.

This was a lovely challenge and one I enjoyed doing.

RosieDees Challenge 33

As I could not join in the challenge to use a Magnolia Stamp, as I do not have any. I did the challenge for the week before I as missed it that week, using the sketch provided.
I wanted to use Crafty Pad Faith on a Cushion and chose papers to go with it. I decided on a soft pink and chose a background paper in shades of pink that looked soft and feminine. A pink card was used for the first rectangle and I used a pink ribbon with butterflies on it to contrast with the pastel pinks. A soft pink paper was used for the image and I coloured in the image to give it more definition. A pink flower was used in the top left corner and the sentiment Best Wished in the bottom right. I also added three pink studs to add contrast and interest to the card.
A nice sketch to use and a lovely challenge.

Crafty Pad Challenge 21

The Challenge was to use this Octogan shape on the card quite a challenge as I am hopeless at drawing shapes.

I chose blue for the card as I have different blue papers that blend well. A small floral print was used for the background paper as it is delicate and fresh looking. Next came the the larger octagon shape in a simlar blue but with swirls on it. A plain blue octagon came next with Crafty Pad Just Ted stamped on it.

I chose a darker blue ribbon and placed three blue gems on it and finished it off with a bow. I chose to make this a Thank You card.

The Octogan does not show up well in the photo but is far more visible in the reality

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 59

Happy Mail

This time the Challenge was a little different to create a card to cheer someone up, especially a child from Post Pals. http://www.postpals.co.uk/
I came up with this card. I decided to make a card that is bright and cheerful I started with the plain pink paper for the background and used the blue swirl paper that is torn over the top.The pink ribbon and bow were added to soften the overall effect. I used some blue paper with a different scroll pattern and placed the image of Ted onto some plain blue paper and tore
the edges giving it a softer appearance. The Pink flower has a flower brad in the centre and the pink dots draw they eye to the pink in the paper they are on.
This was a lovely challenge and I hope the recipient of this card will like it. I have certinly enjoyed making it.

Friday Sketchers Challenge 51

This was the sketch we were to use and this is the card I created. I wanted a Celtic theme so went with colours and images that reflect this.

A paisley pattterned paper was chosen for the background and the other papers were chosen to blend with it.

A Celtic design paper was chosen along with the Celtic knot image . The flowers are sublte tones of pink with hearts in their centres in the bottom right corner. The flower top right has a wire embelishment added with beads to create interest and to belnd with the other flowers.

An interesting sketch to execute thank you for the challenge I have enjoyed using it.

I Won a Crafty Pad Stamp

I joined in the Challenge at Crafty Pad last week Challenge 19, this is the card is created for the Challenge and won a Crafty Pad Stamp of my choice. I have chosen Just Ted with Flower, he is so cute.

Thank you for my lovely prize I am looking forward to using him on my cards.

All the Crafty Pad stamps are really lovely and print very cleanly making them a pleasure to use. I know I will enjoy using my new stamp along with others I have ordered in the sale.

Craft Lady Corner

I have made a new forum for crafting for anyone who wants to join in the fun of trading and swapping or simply chatting about card and craft making.

No iTrader points to worry about so anyone can start a trade or swap.

I made it so my friends could all get together and have some fun but everyone is welcome. It is really very very new with nothing going on yet but hopefully that will change. It is mainly UK based but all International players are very welcome.
If it does not take off I will delete it.

You can find the address in Links.

Thank You for looking.

Friday Sketchers Challenge 50

We were to use this sketch to create our cards with this week.

I came up with a Thank you card that is bright and fresh looking. First of all I chose a floral background paper and picked the other papers to reflect the colours in the background paper. The blue scollaped paper has a random pattern and draws out the blue on the background paper. The pink square with the blue flower adds a brightness to the card. I chose a diamond patterened paper for the curved shape as it reminded me of a basket and blends well with all the papers I used. The yellow checked ribbon draws the eye nicely to the tulip. The purple flower blends well with the outline of the tulip and the paper it is printed on.

It was fun putting together all the elements of this sketch and something a little different.

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 58

The themes was 'Mirror Mirror' use something shiny

This was fun to do and I chose to go with a Nature theme so I chose papers that reflected this. The background paper is a Celtic paper with leaves and dragon I then chose the paper with the scroll work on it as it represents movement to me. The tree image is a stamp I have and thought it lent itself nicely to my theme. I chose colours that blend well together and placed the metal leaf brads to add the shiny element. The red ribbon helps to brighten the card and the red heart in the corner catches the light. The wording Nature lends the card to used for any occaision and could be used for a man as it is not too feminine.

Crafty Pad Challenge 19

This week the challenge was to make a Gatefold card using our Favourite stamp.
hard one as I have more than one favourite stamp. I went with Crafty Pad Faith in the frame.

The background paper is blue with a random pattern on it allowing it to be easily used in the gatefold design, no matching up to do.

The ribbon is lilac as it is soft and feminine, the brads make it possible to close the card. I used the Faith stamp on some blue paper, the hat and shoe is also stamped on the same paper. I chose silver and bronze stamping inks around the edges on all three images.

The bow with the flowers contrasts with the liliac flower beneath the lable. I chose the parcel to represent shopping, the text Girly Girl is the theme of the card. I wanted it to be a feminine card that was fun . Inside I simply added the sentiment Happy Birthday.

I have never made a gatefold card before so this was a real challenge and fun to do.

Dream Fantasy Card

This card is a little different I wanted to make a Fantasy card and came up with this. I used a brown script paper for the background and used a scrap of brown card to hold the dragon charm. The dragon paper lent itself nicely to the use my favourite Crafty Pad Faith stamp. The gold bars represent the Dragon's Treasure whilst the ribbon and bow add the finishing touch. I chose to use the text Dream so the card can be used for any occaision.

I love using this stamp and love fantasy and the two go well together. Finding new ways to us e the face is fun and seems to fit into a lot of themes.

Next is the Crafty Pad Challenge I have a few ideas for this and will add my card tomorrow.

RosieDees Challenge 32

The challenge was named Peel Offs and were to use a peel off in our card.

Peel offs are not something I use and only used them to decorate a page in a gardening journal a few years ago. I had a few left and decided to use one of them in this challenge. Getting a peel off to look part of the card was a real challenge and I came up with this card.

I used a green script paper that has honest, simple, pure and true printed on it. I then chose a paper with fairies and flowers on it and used a Delphinium flower peel off as it blended well with the paper. A soft green ribbon was used to frame the image and a fairy charm was added along with the text May your wishes come true.

Great fun to do and something that could be used to create a different look especially if the peel off blends well with the background paper.

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 57

The theme this week was Getting Edgy and we were to use torn paper or somthing similar to creat an interesting edge.
I chose to go with torn paper to create the effect and used a floral paper in shades of brown and beige. The ribon is a golden colour that lifts the card. I chose a soft yellow and beige paper as the long strip and tore all the edges, the pale square on the top blends well with the strip and the floral motif has an interesting scollped edge to it. The darker beige square blends well with the background paper and the bear is stamped on a pale cream paper. Tearing the edges of the image gives it a softer look and adds interest. I used three star shaped buttons in contrasting colours that go well with all the papers I used. The flower creates a new element that brightens the overall look as do the yellow flowers the bear is holding. The Text Get Well Soon also has an interesting shape to its edges.
Not having a sketch to work with adds to the challenge as you have to think of a layout for the card as well as how you will exicute the theme given to you.

Friday Sketchers Challenge 49

This week we were to use this sketch and create a card with it.

I decided to something a little different and not use a rubber stamp.
The background paper is a floral design in orange and green on a brown background. The second paper has elements of these colours and contrasted well with the background paper. The third paper draws out the green in both papers and the ribbon blends well with the background colours. I chose a dragonfly for the centre image and used peach roses to draw out the orange in the card. The buttons are green and orange as they blend well with overall effect. I chose Especialy for you as the text. This was a really good sketch to work with as there are so many variations that can be used with it.

Bad week

To all of you who keep looking in a big Thank you from me.
The last week was not a good week I have been in a lot of pain so not done a lot of anything and making stuff has not been possible.I will be making cards this week though so watch this space.

'I'll be back' as Arnie says LOL.

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 56

This week the title of the challenge was Floral Fantasy

I wanted to keep this simple as I wanted to create a Thank You card. I selected all the papers first as I wanted something bright and cheerful. A plain yellow paper was used for the background then I selected a floral paper that had red, yellow and blue flowers on a brown background. The next paper has random colours in it that contrast with the floral paper.
I used a blue and white ribbon and a blue paper to blend with the floral paper and draw out the blue flower on it. Next I chose a lable that had a flower design on it and used two large flowers in pale brown with a pink floral brad in the centre to contrast with the brown background on floral paper. The two flower gems add some sparkle to whole card. The sentitment Thank You sits in the top left of the card.

This was an interesting challenge as you have to find your layout something that is not always easy to do.

Friday Sketchers Challenge 58

This week were were to use the sketch provided so I came up with this card.

I chose a green paisley background paper then selected a contrasting paper with scroll work on it. The next paper has similar colours to the main background paper and the strip also contains similar colours contrasting well with all three papers. The image was printed on a paler green paper and the hair was coloured using a bronze ink pad, I also used the same ink pad to colour around the edges of the oval. Two yellow roses help to brighten the card and draw the eye to the image. The sentiment adds the finishing touch.

This challenge was fun to do and the sketch interesting.

Art and Craft Suppliers

We all need supplies for our art and crafts and in this climate of price increases we all need supplies that will not break the bank.

I have added a list of sites I use for some of my supplies, all take postal orders which is a big bonus for me, along with credit cards.

I have used these sites before and they have proven reliable and helpful. So I have added them to my list of sites that I am happy to use.

I always look in the clearance, slaes or bargains sections it is amazing what can find and at really low prices.

The Fruit Pixie offers a £1 shop and even has some papers at 10pence now that can't be bad. I have ordered from here and really happy with what I have had from them.

The Card Making Crafts has a lot of beautiful toppers and emeblishments in their Special offers. I have bought some recently and they are really nice.

Thats Crafty has some lovely cats eye ink pads and not too expensive either so you can afford to get more of them.

Tanda Stamps has some wonderful stamps mounted and unmounted and all are really nice to use.

So I thought I would pass on the sites I have used and have found reliable in the hopes that it may help with cost cutting in this economic climate.

I cannot of course guarentee what your experience will be with these sites if you choose to use them all I can do is tell you my experience of them.

You can find the site links in the section on the left in Art and Craft Supplies

RosieDees Challenge 30

The challenge this week was the theme Blossoms.

The first thing I did was decide on a layout for the card and then the papers I was going to use.

I wanted something fresh and Spring like so chose a pastel floral paper as the main background. Then I chose a stripped paper that reflected the colours in the background and picked one of those colours for the second paper, a plain purple paper. ( try saying that quickly LOL)

Then I used the same paper as the backround for the third paper to marry the whole card together. Staggering the three papers adds interest and gives depth to the card.

The butterfly helps draw the eye to the large bloom in top left and gives the card a spring like feel to it. The purple ribbon helps frame the card and the flower whilst the Birthday Wishes set to cover all three of the staggered papers adds the finishing touch.

I liked this challenge again a simple theme that really makes you think on how to exicute it so it looks fresh and hopefully interesting.

Friday Sketchers Challenge 47

Friday Sketchers challenge this week was to follow the sketch and this is my card using the sketch provided.
I wanted to do something a little different and chose to use an air balloon stamp.
The background is a mottled blue paper with a stripped blue ribbon. The oval mount is made from a script paper with wording that reflects the air ballon theme, calm, peace, tranquility, serenity. The scroll effect is a stamp that helps frame the oval shape. Three frosted beads help to knit the colours together. The air ballons are printed on some blue card, I used a silver ink pad on the edges and placed two blue stars to reflect the star in the image. This was a nice sketch to use and the simplicty makes it a challenge to give the card depth.

I Won on Crafty Pad Challenge 16

I would like to say a big thank you for the lovely chalks and flowers that I won on Crafty Pad. I will have great fun using them and look forward to trying the chalks.
I love making the cards and trying out new ideas so the challenges are really lovely to do.

Crafty Pad Challenge 17

Challenge 17 was to use the sketch and this is my take on the theme.

I used a bright blue background with a red to contrast with the floral paper I used for the oval shape. The second oval shape forms the face of the Faith Face stamp I used. The flowers are part of her hair and the colours blend with floral design on the paper.

The strip contrasts well with the floral paper and the pink metalic embelishments brighten the strip. I chose a ribbon that blends well with the colours on the paper and the sentiment Birthday Wishes finishes the card off.

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 55

Challenge 55 was to use Pink and Brown so this was my take on the theme.
I used a floral background that contains pink and brown with accents of yellow to lighten things up. Pink ribbon was used down the left handside with a strip of brown card as a contrast, The bear print is a stamp I have and was printed on light brown card. The flowers were coloured in pink and the large flower brings all the pinks together. The sentiment Happy Birthday bring the finishing touch to the card.

Health Problems

I just wanted to let all my followers know that I am experiencing some health problems at the moment. I am waiting on a biopsy result and an appointment in May to determine exactly what they will do to remedy things. I have a severe prolapse that is causing a lot of pain.

So far all tests have been good and I am hoping the biopsy will prove just as good. I will need an operation to rectify things though and will find out exactly what later on in May.

I will be making more cards and adding them to my blog, I may be a little slower but I will keep doing things. I will be back and will be making cards and entering challenges I am not one to sit around doing nothing.

So please keep looking in and I promise to keep making the cards. I appreciate all the comments and the fact the people look in on my blog.

Keep watching this space

Crafty Pad Challenge 16

The challenge was to follow the sketch and use a Crafty Pad image so this is my take on the challenge.

I chose colours that complimented each other in soft greens and yellows. The background paper is a check with script. I placed a script paper over this and chose a floral paper for the diamond shape. The soft green and yellow paper was next as it blended well with script paper. I used Faith in a frame omitting the frame as the image and drew in the flowers in her hair to compliment the floral paper, along with a floral stamp in the corners. A green ribbon was placed along the bottom of the card and gold bars with gold hearts were placed along the right hand side and under the image. The sentiment Especially for You finished off the card.

This was a good challenge as it added a lot of elements making it interesting to create a card that is balanced.

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 54

This week we were to use citrus colours anything bright from pink to lime so this is what I came up with.

The background is a plain bright pink I then placed a patterned ribbon down the side. The two patterned papers were chosen as they contained all the colours needed. I chose a plain piece of lime green card to use as the contrast and placed the flower on the top. The centre of the flower is embossing flock the sentiment was placed top left as a finishing touch.

This was a bit more of a challenge as I do not have a lot of these colours so I kept it simple the overall effect is colourful and I will try to this more often on some of my cards.