Who else feels like they need anything but Christmas!

Hi all

I'm running late today a combination of, birthdays, holidays  and life in general!

so perhaps the theme of our challenge this week at 

Fab'n'Funky Challenges 

 fits very well

Chosen by our lovely Helen our theme is indeed

Anything but Christmas!

it's my grandson Jacob's 6th birthday today and we all went out for family tea. at a local  independent Italian restaurant.  I find the Italian restaurants are really accommodating to kids, they are so welcoming and nothing is too much bother  - very family orientated,  they brought him ice cream with a candle and he was thrilled to bits that the whole restaurant sang happy birthday to him. We had a lovely time and we were home by 7 o'clock - well it is a school night!

here is the card I made for him using a cute image from our sponsor this week

perfect for a little boy's birthday

Frame it - balloon boy - available here

Our sponsor this week is the fabulous 

Bugaboo Digi Stamps 

if ever I.m stuck for a fun image to colour I know I'll always find one there

Here's Jacob looking very handsome and  pleased with himself with his birthday ice cream
how did he get to be six already- I have no idea!

This is what I did....

Image - Frame it Balloon Boy

Coloured with Spectrum noir pens from Crafter's Companion

Papers and '6'   and birthday banner from Sara Davies Signature Birthday collection at CC

Letter cut with  a Sizzix Tim Holtz Easy peasy  alphabet dies

This is our last challenge of the year at Fab'n'Funky -I  hope to see you there xx

hugs 

Judith

Winter Wonderland Anything Goes Christmas

Morning all

I'm back after a lovely Christmassy break in Florida and no blogging has been done!!

but it's lovely to be back for the last challenge of the year at 

Winter Wonderland 

Where the whole team is playing along for extra Christmas fun!

and our theme is

Anything goes Christmas

I'm using this cute image 

called Gingerbread Man from our lovely sponsor this week

Pink Gems Designs

This is what I did....

Image - Gingerbread man - Pink Gem Designs

coloured with Spectrum Noir illustrator pens
Crafters companion - Kraft Card and sheena stamping card
Red card - Core'dnations darks

Paper - very old think its Dovecraft!

Dies - Candy cane from my lovely Crafter's Companion advent calendar (day 3)
       - Circles from spellbinders
      -squares - Sue Wilson noble dies
Merry Christmas stamp from CC Sar Davies Cute Christmas stamp set
(i love the font on this)
Memento - Cocoa ink
Glitter glue - Neuvo drops from tonic
pearls from my stash

Hope you'll join in with us for the last challenge of the year

Hugs

Judith xx

Are you a dedicated follower of fashion?

Hi all

Well here's me three weeks in a row now!  - things are definitely looking up an I've been doing a bit of visiting too - slowly but surely I'm getting back to regular blogging - might have to up the ante a bit soon - it's been lovely seeing what's been going on in blogland

it's time for another challenge over at 

Fab'n'Funky Challenges

this week our theme chosen by our lovely Monika is

Fashion

I decided to make a tag with one of the lovely images kindly given to us by our sponsor

this is Spunky available HERE

I was really so pleased with this when it was finished - exactly how I wanted it to look.  It's also quite a while since I sat down to a 'proper' colouring session and I coloured several other images last night too - I really enjoyed it.

Our sponsor this week is the lovely

Who are offering a prize of 3 images to this weeks winner

This is what i did....

Image - Spunky girl from Lemon Shortbread

Coloured with Spectrum noir alcohol markers

Tag coloured with TH distress oxides and Crafters companion sparkle pens

inspirational words and flower stamps from Sheena Douglass

Assorted stencils from Sheena Douglass and Walmart

Butterfly made with vellum and Crafter's Companion foils and sparkle pens

Ribbon and buttons from my stash

i hope we see you over at Fab'n'Funky this week with your Fashion makes

Hugs

Judith 

I love to make a scene - and I love Marmite too!!

Good morning all

It's challenge day again at 

Fab'n'Funky Challenges

and as it's the last week of the month our theme is 

Christmas

I made this 'scene card in a box 'using the 

Crafter's Companion Ultimate Pro board, it's one of the projects on the Crafter's Companion Advanced Projects DVD.   It can be adapted for all sorts of occasions and is really 'only a piece of card'!, The DVD gives clear instructions on how to make these projects - but I also love to work out how to construct projects from scratch.  I think its definitely a Marmite thing - love it or hate it - and I love Marmite too lol

This is what I did...

Project from Crafter's Companion Ultimate Pro Advanced projects DVD

Card - Crafters Companion Centura pearl White with a hint of silver and pastel blue

Snowy acetate from Crafter's Companion Sara's Contemporary Christmas set

Snowflake dies - Sara's Contemporary Christmas snowflake dies

Pearls from my stash

this makes a lovely special card for any occassion - using different embellishments to suit the occasion.  I'm looking forward to seeing all your Christmas projects over at Fab'n'Funky

hugs

Judith xx 

Hello!

Good morning all

I've been missing from around here for sooo long, first my Florida holiday (complete with hurricaine!)  Then when we got back home things have just been so busy, house things and family and such a lot to do and catch up on that I haven't felt much like blogging at all to be honest.  But I'm hoping I've now got my enthusiasm back and I'll get my blog back in business!!

So many things seemed to have happened in these last few weeks I could write a book not a blog - but I definitely haven't got time to write a book!! - though it's always something I thought I might do - they recon there's a novel inside of each of us, ha ha watch this space .....

Anyway down to blogging  business......

 I have a Christmas card to share today

its for the challenge over at

Fab'n'Funky Challenges

where the theme this week is 

Paper Piecing

The stamp is from Imagination Crafts decoupage stamp range.  I bought a whole set of them a while ago because I loved the traditional styles and thought they were a little bit different to other Christmas styles around- and this was exactly the style of card I had in mind.  Not to difficult to make but with the lovely poinsettia image lending itself to a bit if paper piecing and decoupage.  I think I might make up a few while I'm on a roll. 

We have a fabulous sponsor this week

Crafty Ribbons

offering a great prize for our challenge winner

This is what I did....

 I stamped the image onto white card, then parts of the stamp onto the patterned paper and pieced it back into the stamped image, I then stamped the poinsettia again and decoupaged another layer.- it was really quite easy to do

Image - from imagination crafts decoupage stamp range

papers - First edition - Vintage noel

Dies - Creative expressions Sue Wilson pierced square 

           Tag dies from MFT

Ribbon from my stash

Card = neenah white card from Crafter's Companion

Neuvo drops from tonic (in centre of poinsettia)

Card background coloured with CC Spectrum Noir pens TN1 and 2

We'd love to see your paper piecing at Fab'n'Funky - hope to see you there.  I'll be round to catch up with your blogs very soon.

hugs

Judith x

Things that fly - at Moving along with the Times - this week

Good morning all

There's a new challenge starting at 

Moving along With the Times

the theme is

Things that fly

It can be anything at all - if you check over at the MAWTT challenge blog you'll see that the team have been very creative - everything from birds to kites and a lot more besides!

I thought this was a great theme to make a Christmas card 

(one more to add to the stash)

and got out my new dies and embossing folders that I bought a couple of weeks ago

- I've been dying to use them and I knew there was a cute little bird that would fit this challenge perfectly. I love the Scandinavian style.

This is what i did....

Red card - Luxury collection - red from Crafter's companion

Dies - all from Crafter's Companion Scandinavian Christmas collection by Sara Davies

Embossing Folder from Crafters Companion Nordic collection 

inked with red berry DI from Tim Holtz

The bird is a fab die - it's one of the deep cut mixed media dies so it cuts several at a time and also would be great for all kinds of  fabric Christmas Projects - I think I might make some little felt bird decorations to hang on the Christmas tree - I know I've got some red and white felt squares and some ricrac  to  make a hanging loop .... now where to find them lol

Hope you'll join in with our challenge

Hugs

Judith xx

Use a digi for our challenge at Winter Wonderland this week

Good morning all

We have an easy peasy challenge starting today over at

Winter Wonderland

the theme is

Use a digi image

and of course our challenge is a Christmas one

I used a cute little image from our sponsor this week

its called A Star is Born 

available HERE

and our lovely sponsor is 

All Dressed Up

who are giving a prize of 2 digis to our winner

This is what I did

Image - A Star is born from All Dressed Up

Coloured with - Spectrum Noir colourblend pencils

Die - Holly frame by Sue Wilson (including Noel)

Papers - MME 

Hope you'll join in with us this challenge - you really should start on those Christmas cards!

Hugs

Judith x

Take your pick!

Hi all

I thought I'd make an appearance around here and show you what I've been doing lately!

I've had a few trials and tribulations over that past few weeks and at the moment I've totally fallen out of love with my pens and colouring - I just can't get my act together at all

when it comes to my alcohol pens : (

However I haven't stopped crafting or creating.  I've really been enjoying die cutting and mixed media, journaling, construction work and general messy crafting!  

I have a few projects to share that I made for Crafter's Companion recently

They have some great deals on Hochanda tomorrow with pick and mix packs

They are all featuring the  Die'sire Classiques corner die collection

I made this easel card with the fab lace corner die 

and Luxury card pack in Ice blue

The bow is the lovely Brooch die from the Downton Abbey range

 words are all from the Diesire only words sets

 - great sentiments for every occasion!

This box is made with the heart corner die

black card and Centura pearl metallics card

My final card was a really quick and easy one

made with the butterfly corner die and  Sheena Stamping card

Highlighted with Pebeo gilding wax (empire gold)

The butterflies and swirls are from Sara's Shabby chic collection

The shows are on at 8am and 11am tomorrow 

Lots of fab demos from the Crafter's Companion team

- be there or be square!!

I'll be back soon with some more to share

have a great weekend

hugs Judith xx

Fathers day card tutorial

Good morning all

Here I am again - this time with a cute tutorial I created for Crafter's Companion to make

 a Fathers Day card

Father’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re looking for a fun card from the kids for Dad – this might just be the thing for you.  Sometimes cards for Dad can be pretty boring – either pictures of football, shirts and ties or a scenic view – not much fun or cute.  I for one think our Dad’s deserve a bit of fun and cute on their special day! – so I looked to the new Crafter’s Companion Mixed Media dies for inspiration, and came across with the cute Twit Twoo owl die, which seemed pretty perfect.

This card is made with a Die’sire fancy card blank  -easel card.   Easel cards are great for creating extra space for embellishments and sentiments especially when the subject is as big as this cute owl.

Here's what i did....

Step 1

Cut two card mats each for the easel and the base.  Use three layers for each mat - the bottom layer in Centura Pearl precious metal (copper), black card for the middle layer and Sara’s Signature Autumn Morning 12x12 for the top layer.  Stick together with Collall all purpose glue and then adhere to the two surfaces of the easel card.

Step 2

Cut a tag shape using the same 3 three layers as the main card (the bottom layer being 12.5cm x 7cm and graduate each layer as shown below).   Adhere the paper to the black card with Collall all-purpose glue, then the black card to the Centura Pearl with Collall 3d glue gel to give dimension – this tag forms the stopper for the easel as shown.

Step 3

Using black card and the Diamond Press Fashion dies, cut the words HAPPY, TWIT, TO YOU.   Then using the Die’sire Male Words dies cut Father’s Day.

Step 4

Die cut the branch and the parts for the owl from mount board, (I used brown for the branch and the owl’s main body, chest, wings, and pupils of his eyes and cream for his eyes, eyelids and legs)  Then cut papers from the Autumn Morning 6x6 pad to cover each part except the main body and the eyes and pupils.

Step 5

Adhere the papers to the appropriate parts of the owl. Then assemble the owl and the branch on the front of the card, placing the die cut words as shown.  It’s a good idea to take a bit of time to lay the pieces out before sticking to ensure that it all fits perfectly.

Step 6

Finally stick the lettering on to the tag on the easel base – finishing off with a bow of twine.

Step 7

My crafty tip for making an easel card is to create a small pocket in the blank underneath the easel to insert a sentiment tag. (use redliner tape around the 3 edges to create a strong pocket shape)  It gives the card a nice finish and also a lovely place to write your greeting.

Pop on over to the Crafter's Companion blog to check out lots of crafty tutorials

hugs Judith

Embossing (wet or dry at Moving along with the Times

Good morning all

And here I am again - two days in a row after after nothing for weeks - I'm putting the effort in to get back on track after my hollies : )

We have a new challenge starting today over at 

Moving along with the Times

our theme this time is 

Embossing 

(wet or dry)

my card has both - just for good measure!

I made this card a while ago and kept it for this challenge as I knew i'd be struggling to catch up.  

it's made with the Sara Davies Signature Shabby Chic range from Crafter's Companion

The dies are all dry embossed then 'wet embossed' with Stampendous Frantage powder for that real shabby chic look! - this is such a lovely range and makes it easy to create that Shabby Chic look - I know some people find it difficult to put together 

What I did.....

Papers and image in centre of heart - 12x12 Shabby chic paper pad

Heart die - Die'sire essentials from Crafter's Companion

Dies all fro the Shabby Chic range except the heart

Stamp and flowers Shabby Chic from Crafter's Companion

Hope you'll play along with us this challenge - can't wait to see what you make!!

hugs

Judith x

Marvelous Men challenge at Fab'n'Funky Challenges

Hi!

I bet you thought I'd disappeared

After 4 fabulous weeks holiday in America I thought I had too lol

It's certainly taken some catching up with things a lot of post, messages 'things' build up at home when you're away for so long - but now I'm back to earth with a bump, it's taken more than a week to catch up with myself and I'm happy to be back to crafting and blogging for the first time in ages

There's a new challenge starting over at 

Fab'n'Funky Challenges

a really easy one

Marvellous Men!

We're hoping to catch all you Fathers Day crafters so we're looking forward to lot's of lovely entries to our challenge this week

We are sponsored this week by the fabulous 

Dr Digi's House of Stamps

I used this fun image called 

Gardening Gus 

available here

I coloured him with Spectrum noir blendable pencils

the papers are an old LOTV pad and the alphabet die is Easy Peasy from Sizzix 

It hasn't photographed very well - i think there is a shine on the image from the pencils - it's not like that in real life - I'll try to rephotograph later 

hope you'll come and join in with our fun challenge - we'd love to see your marvellous men!

hugs Judith xx

just popping in with some Pop up news!

Good morning all

Just a quick post this morning from my sunbed in sunny Florida!

There are some fabulous new Pop-out dies being launchednext week

by Crafters Companion

Here are a couple of samples I made - be sure to watch out for them - they make great quick and easy cards that have a real wow! - I think I'll be using them a lot!

OK - it's back to the sun for me!!

hugs Judith xx

3D embossing folders - you've just got to have them!

Hi all

Have you seen the fab new 3D embossing folders from Crafter's Companion?

available HERE

They are just fabulous - totally unlike anything else I've ever used

and the lovely stamps are also part of the new release

Just here quickly to share some of my cards 

3D - English Rose Embossing Folder

Coloured with Spectrum Noir pens and highlighted with pebeo gilding wax

3D Ornate Lace Folder

Centura Pearl Metallics card and pebeo gilding wax

3D Regency Swirls Embossing folder

Black Card and pebeo gilding wax

3D Country Garden Embossing Folder

Corednations card and pebeo gilding wax

it looks fab used with gilding wax (as you can see I loved using it!)  but is also great sanded back or a very elegant white.  

You can create a beautiful card with very little effort - I just love them!

hugs Judith xx

Flutter by butterfly ......

Hi All

Hope you are all fit and well on this bright sunny morning

We have a lovely summery challenge for you at 

Moving Along With The Times

we want you to show us your projects with

Butterflies

My card definitely has butterflies lol

This 6x6 card was made almost entirely with Sara's Shabby Chic collection 

from Crafter's Companion

this is what I used

6x6 square card

Shabby Chic 12x12 paper pad

Shabby Chic -ornamental border embossing folder

Shabby chic -Chic butterflies dies

Shabby Chic - vintage lace edge die

Shabby Chic linen script ribbon

Shabby Chic paper flowers

Shabby Chic metal die and stamp set

Crafters companion Die'sire square and scalloped square essential dies

Tim Holtz distress ink - gathered twigs

Kraft Card

Hope you'll pop over and join in with our challenge - we look for ward to seeing your lovely butterflies flutterby!

Hugs Judith xx

Celebrating Little People at Crafty Purple Frog

Good Morning all

It's almost the end of our challenge over at 

Crafty Purple Frog

Where or theme for the month has been

Little People

I have a card to share that I made for my favourite littlest person - my Granddaughter Eva who was a whole one year old at the beginning of April - where did that year go!

I used the little Angels range from Crafter's Companion and lots of little embellies from

 Crafty Purple Frog


to make this card, together with a few extra dies - I was really pleased with the whole effect when I was finished - it was just so pretty and girly

there's a £10 prize to spend in store up for grabs!!

and here is Eva in full birthday pose!!
a little biased but i think she's gorgeous!!

Here's what I did .....

Giraffe die, Baby Accessoies dies, papers, ribbon and from Sara Davies Little Angels signature collection

Dovecraft Doily, buttons and clothes pegs from Crafty Purple Frog

Stitched banner dies from Mama Elephant

Circle and scalloped dies - Die'sire essentials form Crafter's Companion

Hope you'll hop over and join in with us this month

hugs

Judith x

Sparkle or bling challenge at Winter Wonderland

Good morning all

We have  a new Christmas challenge starting at 

Winter Wonderland

the theme is 

Sparkle or bling

I decided to create a page in my art journal

 because I  was totally inspired by this lovely image that I got to choose from our sponsor 

Called Winter Wonders

available HERE

our sponsor this week is 

Crafty Sentiment Designs

I really enjoyed creating this page.  I love just being messy and the result of having another page in my journal when I've finished, it's a different feeling to making  just another card

This is what i did....

Image - Winter Wonders from Crafty Sentiment Designs

Assorted stamps from MFT, Leonie Pujol and Crafty individuals

Image coloured with Spectrum Noir sparkle pens and Colourblend pencils

Page coloured with TH distress inks and sparkle pens

Hope you'll join in with us this week 

Hugs

Judith xx