Spud's Spot

Moving on

2011-04-02T19:47:00.002+01:00

Hi folks...... I have decided that I will be deleting this blog as I have started a new one....please see the link below to my new blog, I wont delete this for approx 1 month to give people time to find me again.........please follow the link and come and see my new page. http://asmallcraftingcorner.blogspot.com Keep smiling Kylie xx

Bad blogger

2010-08-15T20:43:00.002+01:00

Evening all.........no time to write any pearls of wisdom (or mad ramblings as the case may be) so just posting a couple of pics to keep my hand in at this blogging business.

As you can see I have started my Christmas cards - I have kept them very simple this year and have made 4 different designs, 5 of each design so far so yes that is 20 cards I made last night!!! I have made a few extra special ones for close family (need to keep them sweet!!) so in total I made 24 christmas cards last night.......very impressed with myself!!
Now just need to get them in the post to Australia on time.............!!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Our Prom Queen!!!

2010-07-21T19:54:00.002+01:00

Last friday night we drove down to Luton to wave Steve's daughter, Melissa, off to her Prom...... and take some pictures of course!!!! Look at that proud Dad!!!!

How amazing does she look........just beautiful xx

She had a lovely time and is just the sweetest girl...........we are both very proud of her.

......shameful blogger

2010-07-21T19:16:00.007+01:00

Apologies for not being on here in a while but as always life is pretty hectic at the moment!!!! So no time for blogging really........although I have managed to find some time to do some card making!!!

I wont bore you with a long winded post, I am just going to put some pics up and give a brief explanation............most of these cards have been cased or based loosely on cards I have seen in magazines or other peoples blogs..........mojo seems to be in short supply at the moment, sorry!!

This first card is for Steve's eldest daughter's birthday.....

Aaaaaaggggghhhh......cant remember who this next one is for!!!!!

This clean and simple card is for Roy, Steve's brother in law..............

An elegant card for an elegant lady...........my Debs in Ramsgate!!

Boys and their toys...........Steve's friend Phil who has just become a dad for the first time!!

And for the best Dad in the world................mine!!! Love ya Dad xxx

And for an amazing, wonderful, slightly mad but ever so lovable lady.......my Mum xxxxx

So thats it for the card making for now..........got 2 days annual leave so I hope to be able to get some more done, I might even start on the christmas cards!!!!

Stay safe and see you soon

Kylie xx

Time is my enemy!!!!!

2010-06-13T11:12:00.004+01:00

It seems that time is never on my side.........I know it has once again been an age since I last posted anything on my blog and I do apologise to those who check it regularly!

I recently took a weeks annual leave which would have been the best time to get some cards made and to do some posting but housework, painting garden furniture and planting some pots all got priority over anything craft based!!!

It was really only the fact that my Mum mentioned the other day that some of her friends were wondering when I was going to update the blog that really kicked me into gear today.......and to be honest the cards I have posted today I made a little while ago.

Things have been a bit tight of late so not been able to purchase any new stamps or supplies so feel like my cards are all looking a bit the same!! But my wonderful mum has kindly sent me some pennies so I can buy some new goodies xxxx love ya mum xxx

Ok onto the cards.................

I decided to go through all the colour challenges that I save onto my computer and see what I could come up with.......tried to pick some colours that I would not normally use.

I really like this next card although had trouble withe the ribbon as you can see......it is not as neat as I would like it to be.........

It is quite a neutral card and I think it could probably be used for either a man or a woman really.........in this case I will be giving it to a gentleman I look after for his birthday.

Well, despite the fact I have a small stock of cards ready made there are a couple of very special birthdays coming up at the end of this month and beginning of next so will be spending some time at the craft desk this afternoon to make sure they are perfect......just like the people they will be given to.........xxx

Stay safe and hopefully I will be back again soon.

Kylie xx

B is for...................Butterfly!!!!

2010-05-15T19:23:00.003+01:00

Hi, hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.......only a week to go and then I am on annual leave for a week. Nothing exciting is planned just a few days at home, and if I have the will power I am going to do some house work..........!!!!

Then at the end of the week we are heading to the dizzying heights of Margate for a friends birthday and to see another who is home for a holiday from Oz.

Well on with the crafty stuff.....

I have been a bit slack with my 1 card a night challenge (how hard can it be really!!!) but I have been mega busy at work and also been trying to make some mini milk cartons to give to my staff team who have also been working extremely hard lately and they deserve a little something to say thanks ( will be posting those at a later date).

Ok, so although I am not really into the really girly, frilly stuff with my cards I really do like this punch despite the fact I am a minor phobia of butterflies.......scared they will get trapped in my hair!!!

I really liked the way this card turned out though...........................

This next card has been cased and I am sorry but I cant remember now where I first saw it so all credit to the original designer........although I never truely case anthing, dont usually have all the right ingredients so have to improvise on a lot of it!!

I made this one for Steve's daughter who is turning 18 tomorrow.......aaaahhhh I remember it well. I went out for my 18th and then had a job interview the next day......I put the same clothes on that I had gone out it and managed to be at the interview 20 mins early..........and I got the job!!!! Neadless to say my friends fell asleep in the car waiting for me :)

Well thats it for now, fingers crossed the weather keeps improving, it has been lovely today!!

Enjoy the week and will be back soon.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Bank holiday blues...

2010-05-02T10:27:00.004+01:00

As promised....not so long before I was back posting!!!

Well it is a cold, wet, miserable bank holiday weekend....no surprises there, it has been quite a lazy old weekend with not much effort put into doing anything so the most energy I can muster is to sit infront of the computer and do a quick post!!

As I said in my last post, I am trying to work my way through a large pile of scrap card stock and DSP....unfortunatly the lady I usually sell my cards to has closed her shop so I am back to making cards for just family and friends.....which of course I love doing but at the moment I just dont seem to have any motivation to just create!!!

Moving on swiftly as I am starting to sound miserable.......this first card is a scrap creation, I am learning to be a bit more random with my stamping.....I can get caught up in things being really structured so I let loose with the stamp and I like how it turned out.

This next card is using a stamp set my Mum sent me ages ago........I love this set, the large flower is one of my favorites and is a 2 step stamp.

I decided to not put a sentiment on this card as it can then be used for just about any occassion.....you know the ones, when you totally forget and need a card in a hurry!!!

Well as I said this is only a quick post, Steve went fishing last night (madness, it was pouring with rain!!!) so need to get myself sorted so I can go and pick him up.

Hope you are making the most of the weekend

Stay safe

Kylie

Experimenting!!

2010-04-27T18:28:00.003+01:00

Heeeeelllllllllooooooo out there.........I know it has been an absolute age since I last posted anything on my little blog and I do apologise to those of you out there who check it on a regular basis (Mum and Rosemary!!!), not had much time to do any card making recently but I have made an extra special effort last week to sit and make at least 1 card a night.

I ploughed my way through many blogs, craft sites and magazines to get some inspiration (feel like I have lost my mojo a bit...) and I got my colour chart out to look and see if I could 'experiment' with some different colours......I also have a massive scrap pile that needs to be used up!!!

Ok, so here are a couple of cards that I came up with....I wont put too many into one post otherwise I will run out quickly and then it will be another month before you see any of my ramblings on here :)

This first card is a totally not my kind of colours but I think it came out ok......believe me, I didnt come up with the colour combo, I used a colour challenge that I save ages ago, but I actually like this one....although I dont think the photo does it any justice.

I got some free papers in one of my magazines and usually I just ignore them or give them to the kids next door but I wanted to try and use some of them this time as they seemed to be rather nice!!!

This next card was another one of my saved colour challenges.....I had real trouble trying to get the colour layout of this one just right......must admit some of my earlier attempts went in the bin!!

Well, I am going to leave you with these to ponder........hope you like them. Apologies once again for my lack of blogging :) and I will try extra hard not to leave it so long before I am back again.

Stay safe

Kylie xxx

A very happy day indeed!

2010-04-04T19:11:00.003+01:00

Happy Easter everyone, hope you have all had a lovely weekend..........not too many chocolates!!

Thank you to everyone who continues to browse my blog.....I know I have been very slack of late and not done much posting but I have not done much crafting either so there has not been a great deal to post I must say.......time just keeps getting away from me at the moment and there are just not enough hours in the day for me to do every thing I want to do......sorry!!!

So I have been waiting to post this next card for ages and now that the big event has happened I can safely post it. The card was for my brother and his lovely bride who enjoyed an amazing day/weekend of celebrations last weekend. Sadly we were not able to make it over to Australia to be with them, which although I tried to put a brave face on for, was extremely difficult to deal with knowing that all my family were in one place and I wasnt there........but the important thing is that Tal and Jane enjoyed themselves and made that very special committement to each other.

This was my second attempt at a recessed window card, the first one I dont think came out as nicely as this but I did not recess the window as much....it is very subtle on this card.

I chose this style for my brother as I know he likes different things and I thought the idea of a vintage wedding photo on the card would appeal to him.

So Tal and Jane, I know you check out the blog every now and then so I just want to say that I know you had an amazing day, cant wait to see the photo's........and I thought a piece of wedding cake would have shown up in the post by now!!!!!! Just kidding xx Love to you both xx

Stay safe

Kylie xx

The eagle has landed....

2010-03-19T20:33:00.003Z

Strange title, I know, but when it takes a week for the post to get to Australia I have to wait until it arrives before I can post anything that is destined for family out there.........

so, this is a card for my soon to be sister-in-law, it was her birthday today and then next weekend she is getting married to my brother (will post the wedding card once I know they have seen it).....wishing we could be there but sadly we cant.

This next card is the Mothers Day card I made for my mum, as explained in an earlier post she much prefers 'mothering sunday' to the commerical mothers day.

I found this little sentiment on the internet and for me it sums up everything about being a mum, I know we all say it, but my mum is the most amazing person I know........she has taught me to be the person I am........strong, independent, a little firery perhaps, I got all her best bits and some of her worst but I could not ask for a better mum or best friend in the world. Love you so very very much mum xxx

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Special Days

2010-03-15T18:49:00.004Z

I really wanted to post some different cards but since they are winging their way to Australia and cant be seen until after the events they are for, I have gone for these ones, which are just as special.

This first one was for Steve's second eldest daughter for her birthday, she is an amazing young lady and a fabulous mum to her 2 little girls...........

As you can see from the photo's, the sun was shining and I took full advantage of that fact and took some shots outside.........I sooooooooo cant wait for summer!!!!

This next card was for Steve's mum for mothers day, she has been through some really tough times recently and just keeps fighting........another amazing lady!!! I would have loved to put MY mums card up but since I didnt get it in the post on time, it hasnt arrived yet and I dont want to spoil it for her by posting it on here before she sees it. We have a different commerical 'mothers day' in Australia but my mum much prefers the traditional 'mothering sunday' so I always send her a card for that.

The designer paper and the frame stamp both come from a collection inspired by the Victoria and Albert museum tapestry collection......and I just love them!!!!

Well it was my birthday on the 8th March but it was also International Womens Day so I hope all you amazing ladies out there had a fantastic day..........a whole day to celebrate being women, cant get much better than that eh!!!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Confessions of a bad blogger!!!!

2010-03-08T16:48:00.005Z

I am so terribly sorry for not blogging for what seems an absolute age!!!! As an office based worker the last thing I want after sitting in front of a computer screen all day is to come home to more of the same.

We have been so busy at work recently and I have been putting in some long days, it is just about getting home, eating dinner and going to bed........I have sooooo many unread emails that I really do need to respond to!!

Ok so, have tried to do some card making at the very least and I suppose due to family birthdays my hand has been forced and I have actually made the time to sit and do some card making.

This first card is actually for one of the girls at work who got married this week, I wanted to make something really special for her and as I had never before made a card with a recessed window, I thought I would give it a go........it turned out ok I think!

I also made a box for the card to go in as I did not have any envelopes big enough.......it also made the whole thing look a bit more special......this is the lid of the box.

This next card I made for some very special friends of ours, Donna and Dave......they have been very supportive to both Steve and I during his mums illness and helped us out with the use of their car when we were trying to sort ours out.......they are unique, kind, generous people and we are lucky to have them as friends.

I tried to do the faux stitching on this card but it did not look right.......or maybe I was doing it wrong....either way, I cut that bit off and changed the card slightly but I love this card and so please with the way it turned out.

Steve's son was up last weekend so of course they spent most of the time playing on the Xbox which meant I got some more cards made, and because the sun was shining on Sunday I managed to take some photos outside..........

I have made a very special card for my brothers wedding, but cant post it until the end of the month (once they are married) otherwise it will spoil the surprise as I know he keeps an eye on my blog. Sadly we wont be able to make the wedding (its in Australia) and we just cant afford to get there. He knows we will be there in spirit and will be thinking of them both on the big day...

Ok, well I think I have waffled on enough for now, I will try my best not to leave it soooooooo long between posts next time.

Thanks for stopping by

Stay safe

Kylie xxx

Big birthday month!!

2010-02-07T20:43:00.005Z

Evening all,

Hope you have all had a good weekend, it has been another quiet one for us......we finally got our car back, 2 days on the road and something else went wrong with it so it was another week on the bus to work for me and restricted to the house this weekend......fingers crossed we get it back tomorrow afternoon!

Ok, so onto some cards, I have got quite a few birthdays this month, hence the title of this post and this first one is for Steve's mum, her birthday is 2 days after his this week. Unfortunately she is going into hospital tomorrow so will spend her birthday there, although we are hoping that this op sorts everything out and she will be on the road to recovery.

Although it is not the same, I got the 'idea' from the SU Idea Bool and Catalogue on page 44. When you dont have the stamps to totally CASE something you just have to make do with what you do have eh!!

This next card is for Steve, I find it really hard to make cards for men and really must invest in some more masculine stamp sets. It is his 4oth on Wednesday and he is not looking forward to it so did not want to make a card that screamed 'YOU ARE NOW 40'.

Steve is an angler and loves his fishing so last years birthday card had a very comical picture of a man caught on is own belt by this fishing rod, this year I went a bit more 'mature' but kept to a watery/sea/fishy kind of theme.........I hope he likes it.

Well folks, thats it for now, sorry it is so long between posts at the moment but I am flat out at work and catching the bus is taking its toll and eating into my 'down' time, which means I have not had much time to do any crafting either.......I have done a little bit this weekend, making a wedding card for a friend at work and I need to get started on one for my brother and his fiance, they get married in March and as we wont be able to be there I want to make something extra special.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

True Friend

2010-01-29T16:31:00.004Z

Happy Friday everyone!!

It has been a short week for me as I had Monday off as annual leave, hoping to get next Thursday/Friday off as well and have a bit of a long weekend....4 days off in a row, just heavenly!!

Well as promised I said I would keep posting despite my decision to discontinue with SU, not done a lot of card making this week as just been too tired, I have some ready to photograph so must to that before I send them out as they are all allocated for friends birthdays!

I have been trying to use up some more scraps and wanted to make something clean and simple........

What do you think?? I really do love this stamp set, it looks great in just about any colour!! But as you can see I have stuck with my neutral colour scheme......

Might be back over the weekend

Stay safe

Kylie xx

A sad day.....

2010-01-23T14:06:00.003Z

Just wanted to let you all know that I have taken any information about me being a Stampin Up demo off my blog now as I will no longer be doing this.

Unfortunately due to financial difficulties I am no long able to continue to do this and sadly Stampin Up were not able to assist me.

I would like to thank my upline Michelle for all of her support and encouragement, although I was only ever a demo to sustain my crafting addiction and not to do it as a business, I learnt loads from Michelle, she is a very talented lady. I am going to continue to use Stampin Up products as I really like their style and colours, so Michelle, when we are back on our feet a bit I will be round to place an order!!!

I am going to continue to post on my blog, as I love my card making and thankfully family and friends enjoy popping by and looking around.

Thanks everyone for their support by visiting my blog, hope you will continue to do so.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Blooming with colour...and a thank you!

2010-01-22T22:19:00.007Z

Evening folks

Another Friday has arrived.........boy this week has wizzed by!!! Got to say my week started really badly but has improved greatly as it progressed.....had stern words with myself about getting on and doing the job I know I am very capable of doing and then got stuck in to it!!!

Not allowing negative people to bring me down.......so here is another bright and bubbly post to keep the mood going.

Apologies for the bad photography but just couldnt get the light right for this one.......and again sorry that the sentiment is basically unreadable!!! It is from the Simply Said set but the red on red maybe wasnt the best of choices!!

This next card was made using some free papers I got in my magazine......I dont often use them but these ones jumped out at me and had a bit of a 'funky retro' feel to them and I really loved the colours.

Well just a quick one tonight as it has been a long week and I am extreeeeeeeeeemly tired, taking an annual leave day on Monday so want to try and get some cards make and photographed over the weekend and hopefully will be back on Monday with some more to show you.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Burst of colour

2010-01-16T15:08:00.004Z

Hi folks!

As you can see I have had a bit of a revamp of the old blog........fed up with the doom and gloom of winter so thought I would try and evoke some thoughts of summer warmth!! Not that I would like to be in the grip of the Australian heat wave at the moment, 37c over night...no thanks, you cant even breath when its that hot!!! Half of that would be nice though......

I even went as far as to use some nice bright bold colours on a card, I bought these die cuts ages ago and have never really used them.......nothing ever looked right but I think I managed to make them work on this card!

And the sentiment really says it all............those lovely warm colours really do make you want to smile!!

.........as this stamp set suggest 'Be Happy'!!!

Have a good weekend everyone

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Valentines.....

2010-01-15T20:34:00.005Z

Is it really Friday???

It has been a tough week at work this week, the troups are rebelling slightly....dont like the thought of change and it is proving difficult to get them to see it is for the best.

The previous manager did not do a good job and unfortunately I am left to pick up the pieces which is harder than I though it would be!!

Anyway, enough self pity........

Valentines day is just around the corner and I had a request from the lady I make cards for, for a new batch. She did not specifically ask for Valentines cards but I thought I would make a few and see what she thinks

I went for a less traditional approach with some of these so let me know what you think!!

Ok, so this one is a little traditional with pink hearts but I still dont think it's obviously traditional...

Went for a more soft and subtle approach on this one...........soft subtle....get it???

Sorry about the above pun....so this next one again is very subtle perhaps for the more mature couple!!

I also have loads of birthdays during the next few months so will be spending some time at the craft desk getting those made.......as I have said before I like to sit and make a card specifically for the person it is intended for......usually when I get a bit of a stash I end up selling them to my friend for her shop so for family and friends I taylor make so to speak and I will be posting some of those very soon.

Well thanks for visiting and having a look around, please feel free to leave a comment, I love to hear what people think.

Have a good weekend folks, I may be back before its out, if not perhaps during next week.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

A new life brings........happiness!!

2010-01-03T16:15:00.005Z

Afternoon everyone,

Have been pottering around the house today doing some essentials like, washing and ironing but thought I would take 5 mins out to do a post.

As a new year begins, there are some new little people coming into our lives, first of all Steve is about to become a grandad for the 4th time!! His eldest daughter was due New Years Eve so the plan is to induce her tomorrow if there is no sign of movement....so to speak!

Secondly, some good friends of ours are expecting their first baby in the next few months,

this card is for them...............

I decided not to colour in the picture of the little girl, wanted to keep the card very clean and simple......congratulations Phil and Collette xx

Well its back to the grind stone tomorrow so best get on with the rest of my jobs!

Oh by the way...................Steve starts work on Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its only a few days a week at the moment but once the year gets going there is more work for him ahead.....happy days eh!!

Stay safe and thanks for stopping by to look around.

Kylie xx

A new year begins......

2010-01-02T21:41:00.007Z

I hope everyone stayed safe and well over the festive season.......it has been some time since I managed to blog anything so apologies for that, Christmas/New Year came and went with out much celebration as times are tough and sadly we have a serious illness in the family.

Anyway, I thought it about time I sat and did some card making and I have spent the last few days sat infront of my desk working furiously. These first few months of the year are full of birthdays for me so I wanted to make sure I was organised........it has also been quite theraputic (not sure on the spelling!!) to do some craft work.

These first 3 cards I made to try and use up some of my very large scrap pile..............

I also thought it about time I used my Three for You punch box set...I bought this from the retired list and up until the other day had not used it. I know the flowers are not centred and it was a genuine mistake but I thought it didn't look too bad so I left it as it was!

Back to my beloved browns and greens below!!!

This next card I coloured using the SU markers and blender pens.....I really like the way this came out as I tend to only use my markers to put colour onto the stamps before I stamp them, but with this one I put pen to paper so to speak and then blended!!

And last but not least a water colour using the SU crayons, I have always wanted to be able to paint a real water colour but I should think this is the closest I will ever get to that!!!!!

Unfortunately I am not sure whether I will be able to continue with Stampin Up as financially things a very tight for us at the moment. SU was only ever a hobby for me and I dont have the time or space to make it a business, although I do want to keep posting on my blog so dont go anywhere folks, I will continue to post my cards as long as people are interested in seeing them!!

Ok dont want to over do it on my first blog back for the new year, take care out there in the snowy weather (no Mum I dont want to hear how lovely and warm it is at home!!!) and will be back soon with some more cards.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

How silently, how silently........

2009-12-13T13:48:00.006Z

......the wonderous gift is given!!

There is something so special about receiving something hand made, and I am sure most of you out there enjoy giving something YOU have hand made to someone special.

We had a quiz during our managers meeting last week and it was to see how ready we all were for Christmas...one of the questions was 'have you finished writing all your cards?' I got extra points because I had not only finished writing them all I had made them all as well!!!

Sorry about the bad photo above, stil experimenting with my light tent!!

I have seen similar cards to this next one on many other blogs and I really wanted to give the wreath a try as I absolutely love it.....I think mine has come out looking a little square but over all I am really pleased with how it turned out.

This next photo is of a project I got from Andrea Walfords 12 weeks of Christmas......this is week number 5, you can find them here http://andreawalford.com/ although I received week 11 yesterday so it is nearly finished.

I got the idea for the little stamped tea lights from my amazing up line Michelle.....thanks lovely!!!

With a very tight Christmas coming up everyone is receiving something small, a hand made gift.......

Well thanks for stopping by, hope you like what you see, pop back anytime!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

JOY to the world!!!

2009-12-11T21:16:00.003Z

Happy Friday everyone!!!

Apart from being on a very long and tedious training course for 2 days this week the whole thing seems to have gone quite quickly!! I also had a meeting to go to in Colchester yesterday which meant another day out of the office.......I got some work done today but I think Monday will be a massive chatch up day!!

So here are the next installments of Christmas cards........cant remember where I first saw this idea, I think it was actually a wall hanging and I just used it on a card instead.

Wasn't sure about the dp behind the letters at first but my lovely other half said it looked better with than without......have to trust them at some point!!

I am really not that keen on this next card.......although I love the clean lines and it came out better than I had hoped. This dp is not one of my favorites but with soooooooooo many cards to make I had to come up with different ideas and use different colours so......what do you think??

Mmmmmmmm...........I still not sure.................

Well let me know what you think, I would love to hear from you!!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Liqueur coffee and christmas cards.....

2009-12-05T17:08:00.006Z

Ok, lets start with the traditional........sorry the photos havent come out too well but its the best one can do in poor lighting.......despite using my new little light tent!!

I totally love the Winter Post stamp set and have used it loads for many of my Christmas cards and projects......

......it just gives a really lovely oldie worldie feel to the cards and everyone who has seen them says how much they love them.

Brrrrrrrrr.......this next card makes me want to reach for the hot chocolate or as we have discovered recently, using a generous helping of an irish cream liqueur in your coffee in place of milk.......mmmmmmmm!!!!

Watch out for those liqueur coffees....they can be a little moreish, but warm you right down to your toes!!

Hope you have enjoyed the cards, have a few more to post and a few more projects to get photographed so should be back later in the week with more.

It has been a busy week for us so apologies for not getting more crafting and posting done but unfortunately life gets in the way!! Back to work on Monday so things may slow down a little but I will do my best!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Christmas get together!

2009-11-29T21:06:00.004Z

Hi everyone, how wonderful are Sunday nights when you dont have to go to work the next day!!!
Wanted to just say again what a great time I had round Michelle's on Friday night and also show you the wonderful swaps I got from the other girls......

First of all here is the card that Michelle made...

Love the sentiment and the large oval punches!!!

Next came the gift card holder from Sharon (hi Sharon, it was lovely to meet you!).......

Then there was the little chocolate box (complete with chocolates!!) from Germaine (hope to see you again soon)....

And last but not least was this very yummy mug filled with mocha chocolate goodness from Alison........recipe included!!!

All the girls are extremely talented and I hope that now we are all going to meet up once a month that some of their talent rubs off........at the very least I get some inspiration!

The last project I want to show you is a little acetate box filled with mints which I am going to give out to all my hard working staff......it has been a tough 6 months with many changes at work and they have all done so well. Thanks girls xx

Well thats it for now.........quite a long post for me really, but there was so much to show you all.

Have a good week and hopefully I will be back with some more projects soon.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Back on line!!

2009-11-28T15:48:00.006Z

Finally managed to sort out my technical problems and we are back on line again!! Despite work being mega busy, I have managed to get all my Christmas cards made and they are just waiting to be posted off now.......need to get the ones for Australia in the post this week otherwise they may never get there!!

As most of you will already know, I dont really make stocks of cards, although I am thinking this is a good idea....... as I like to make cards with the individual in mind, I also tend not to make cards that are the same, so with 30 odd Christmas cards to make it got a little difficult towards the end to come up with different ideas!!!

With the weather now turning so bad and it getting dark around 4.30pm I have invested in a small 'light tent' so that I can still take photos of my cards, although getting the light shining in the right spot is a bit of an art in its self!!

After a very long week at work, I was looking forward to finishing up yesterday as I have booked a week of annual leave. My upline Michelle had a get together at her house last night and although I was falling asleep on my feet, I mustered up the energy to go..............and I was soooooooooo pleased I did as I met Sharon and Germaine for the first time and of course Alison was there and it was just really nice to sit and do some crafting with other people, relax and have a bit of fun!!

So a big thank you to Michelle, it was a great night and looking forward to the next one!!

Stay safe

Kylie xxx

Problems!!!!

2009-11-20T10:17:00.002Z

Apologies for the lack of blogging this week.........we are experiencing some technical difficulties with our phone line so posting this from work!

Hopefully will be back up and running by the middle of next week.

Hope all is well out there for everyone, my best wishes to anyone who is suffering with flooding, thankfully we have not been effected by it!!

Take care, stay safe and see you soon.

Kylie xx

All Christmased out!!!!

2009-11-10T20:16:00.003Z

There is still 6 or so weeks left to go and I am already a little fed up to to eye balls with Christmas.........not really!! Although it is not my most favorite time of year I do enjoy seeing all the colour and sparkle in the shops and our little village really do a fantastic job with the Christmas lights.......I might even be so bold as to say I enjoy a cold Christmas!!!

Dont get me wrong......Christmas in Australia is wonderful and as a child having Christmas during our summer hols was fab, but there just seems to be something right about being cold at Christmas, roaring fires, a little snow maybe!! Can you believe that people sit down to a pipping hot Chrismas meal in the middle of summer!!! The Aussies have become a bit better at doing it their way with BBQ's on the beach and lots of seafood for lunch instead of the traditional stuff.

Ok rambling now, on to the cards.............

I think I have mentioned in previous posts that I tried the old stamp a stack but it just doesnt feel right for me.......I like to make individual cards, each of them as different as possible and then I choose who gets which card.....or I will make them specifically for individuals in mind.

These 2 cards I have sent home to family in Australia so no peeking on my blog guys!!! Too late eh.......

Sorry its only another quick one but I have managed to book a week off work at the end of the month so I will try and spend a bit more time crafting and blogging.........going to have some ME time......ha, chance will be fine thing!!!

Stay safe everyone

Kylie xx

Bad blogger!!!

2009-11-05T19:24:00.004Z

Apologies for my lack of blogging but I have been busy at my craft desk trying to get my Christmas cards made ready to post to Australia.......work is frantic at the moment and so there has been noooooooo time to sit at the computer to blog!!!

So thought I would quickly pop by tonight and do a very short blog with a card just so that you wont forget I am here!!!!

Well I hope you like this card as much as I do...........I love the dark, more vintage green and red.

Hope all is well out there for everyone!!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

CASED!!

2009-10-29T16:48:00.007Z

Now these cards where made a couple of weeks ago but with work keeping me sooooooooooooo busy, it has been difficult to keep the creative juices flowing so I sat with the old and new SU Ideas books and sought out some inspiration.......... although I have used the general layout and colours of cards in the book I have changed them slightly so that they are not exactly the same.

On this first card I wanted to try out one of my new stamp sets, Office Accoutrement..... retired now I know but I treated myself on my last order with a few retired items, gotta get 'em while you can!!

As I made these cards a little while ago I cant remember where I saw this next one....I think it was on some elses blog so all credit to them......they used the new Medallion background stamp on theirs (will be purchasing this in the near future as I love it!!!) but I had to used a stamp from another set to get the desired effect

As Christmas seems to be everywhere at the moment I thought I would take and give a break from all that stuff and put some normal cards up to show you all.

Hope everyone is safe and well..........really should get back to the craft desk now and get some festive cards made.......I am soooo behind and was going to set myself a task of making at least one a night.......not made any so far this week so being terribly slack!!

Stay safe and thanks for looking

Kylie xx

Embossing is the business!!

2009-10-25T11:52:00.004Z

As Christmas involves making soooooooo many cards at one time (if only I was more organised!!) embossing folders are a fantastic way of quickly puting together a card and making it look great, on this card below I have used the cuttlebug snowflake folder, and a stamp from the fantastic SU Winter Post set........sorry about the bad photo.....better one underneath!!

On this card I have used the same stamp but the cuttlebug Christmas Tree folder.......but not used it as a tree just for the pattern on one of my layers.

I am trying to make one Christmas card a night at the moment, but work is keeping me so busy I am totally shattered by the time I get home I just want to crash on the sofa and watch mind numbing tv.......must motivate myself!!

With this annoying postal strike it is hard to know whether to sent cards to Australia or just put together a generic email and send it to everyone.......no, I think even if they dont arrive on time, my family will appreciate a handmade card.....they better!!!!!

Hope you have enjoyed looking around, will try and post again during the week.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Colour challenge...

2009-10-20T17:56:00.004+01:00

Thought I would give the Christmas cards a break for a day........although I have started making cards that I need to give out.......I've made 2 so far....only another 25 or so to go!!!!

While I was on skype the other day with my Mum, we were talking about how us in the UK did not get any 'in' colours in the new catalogue.......but that in all of her magazines she subscribes to there is a colour combo that everyone is using at the moment.

She therefore set me a challenge to use the 3 colours.......we kind of worked them out to be So Saffron, Grey and Brocade Blue

I thought I would case one of the cards from the new ideas book and here is what I came up with.

I really like this colour combo and think I will use it again.......got a few birthdays coming up and friends of ours have just found out they are pregnant so this colour combo is nice and neutral until we find out what brand the baby is!!!!

Thanks for stopping by and having a look around, hope you like what you see!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Cold Christmas.....

2009-10-19T20:59:00.006+01:00

As I have been working on my Christmas cards, I keep showing each creation to Steve to get his opinion........he is totally Mr Christmas and I just really aint that bothered by the whole affair!! Anyway, Steve has this whole thing about Christmas being traditional and 'warm' so he really doesn't like all the lovely pale blue, white, silver, crisp green colours and just keeps saying to me 'GREEN, RED AND GOLD!!!! PEOPLE WANT TO SEE SOMETHING TO MAKE THEM FEEL WARM!!!!'

Ok so that made him sound like he was shouting at me but he really wasn't......bless him, he just likes traditional English Christmas stuff.....I will loose count of how many mince pies, mini Christmas puddings and brandy cream/butter he will eat between now and new year!! Again, all the traditional Christmas stuff like mince pies, christmas pud and Christmas cake I just cant stand........raspberries and ice cream for me!!! I do try my best to get 'festive' when the time comes but it is hard being so far away from family.....................

Righty ho, onto a couple of cards.....I made a point of buying some of the retired DP's as the Christmassy ones are just lovely although this is one that Steve didn't like......too cold apparently!!!

.......and one that he did!!

I used some little red gem stones on the woodcut holly stamp to make the berries stand out (as they should really be red!!)

Well thats it for tonight folks, hope you enjoyed looking around my blog, please leave a comment it is always great to get constructive feedback!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

More Christmas Card Chaos!!

2009-10-18T11:28:00.004+01:00

Hi everyone....

Hope you have all had a lovely weekend!! I have had a massively busy week and another one to come but somehow I managed to sit at my craft desk and, like a crazy woman, I made loads of Christmas cards!!! Unfortunately none of them are for me to use for family and friends......it was an order from my local lady with the lovely shop, but I was grateful for the order as every penny counts!!

She also asked me to make her some general cards as well so I put together about 32 cards for her.......I did say I worked like a crazy woman!!!

I had a good look through all of the sketches I save and even used some of the designs from the new and old idea books, trying out different colour combo's and shifting things around so that they weren't exactly the same.

I managed to take photo's of all the cards.....Steve is going fishing again tomorrow so no camera for a few days (we have to share!!) but good news......it looks like he has found some work starting the end of this month. It means he will have to work away during the week but anything is better than nothing!!!

Well have a good week everyone, hopefully I will find some spare time to pop back during the week to post some more Christmas cards.

Thanks for browsing.......

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Christmas Chaos!!

2009-10-11T18:31:00.005+01:00

Unfortunately I have only been able to take pictures of a couple of cards due to the weather and being very very busy this weekend, but I have managed to make quite a few cards. I had a call from my friend who buys my cards and she has put in an order so I need to get my crafty butt into gear and get some made........then of course there are all the ones for family and friends to make yet as well!!!!

I am only going to post one card today as I will do the other one in a day or two (Steve going fishing tomorrow and taking the camera!!).

I got the idea for this card from the new Stampin Up Catalogue but changed it to make it more individual.

I tried to do the layering with the stamps and I think it came out ok.....I like it anyway!

Well hope you all had a good weekend, back to work tomorrow (no rest for the wicked, which is why I am always working!!!)

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Mums are the best!!!

2009-10-10T21:27:00.006+01:00

Firstly I would like to show you a card that I received today, now.... although the card was blank inside it was filled to the brim with so much love, care and kindness it was overflowing!! It was made by my amazing Mum who under estimates her own talent......where do you think I got mine from Mum!!!

Although the sentiment speaks volumes.........I know my Mum thinks of me every day, and she knows that she is always in my heart and thoughts. Thank you so very much for being there, despite the distance....................... I love you xx

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Its new and packed full of fantastic products!!

2009-10-01T20:15:00.002+01:00

I'm talking of course about the new UK Stampin' Up catalogue!! I got mine a few weeks ago and have not put it down since, it smells all new and fresh!!!

The wish list is steadly growing and my bank account steadly shrinking........only joking, not made any purchases yet. As with most people the credit crunch means the belt has had to be pulled tight and it may be some time before it gets loosened, but just looking through the catalogue is great fun and so inspirational.

Work isnt making much time for crafting at the moment so time spent at my desk is only for those essential birthdays and special occassions that deserve a hand made card.

Well, you can see the new catalogue on the left hand side, click on the picture to view its magical contents and please contact me if you would like to place an order or host a workshop.

Happy browsing.....

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Its coming..........!!

2009-09-28T19:03:00.005+01:00

It pains me to even say the word this early in the year so I am not going to........but Steve has already got me buying mince pies!!!

So what I have for you today is a little selection of those cards which we all need to make tons of and then get in the post on time (well, thats me anyway....why I have such a problem with posting I dont know!!!)

I wanted to do a bit of stamp a stack for myself, keeping all the designs simple for ease and speed but I think I will just do what I always do and individualise cards for people........I like to make cards specifically with the person/people in mind.........rambling now so here are the pics! x

Sorry about this photo.....didn't really turn out that well!!!

I am loving the Winter Post set and I think I will be using it on many of this years cards.........

and my Woodcut Holly wheel was just perfect for this card!!!!

Thanks for stopping by and browsing, hope to see you here again soon.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Me and my Dad!!!

2009-09-24T21:36:00.005+01:00

Just a quick post to show you a picture of me and my Dad in Cambridge today......we had a wonderful day just mooching around looking at all the lovely old buildings. It was nice just to spend some time with him.............not looking forward to Saturday morning when we have to say goodbye......many tears I thinks!!!

This was taken just outside Kings College in Cambridge.........he has been such a tourist with his video camera and digital.....bless!!!! Love him sooooo much. Of course his wife Wendy and my Steve were there as well but this photo is just so lovely I couldn't resist posting it.

Kylie xx

Congratulations!!

2009-09-24T15:51:00.006+01:00

A bit of a double congratulations on this post........firstly and most importantly congratulations to my brother Talwyn and his now fiance, Jane on their engagement!!! It turns out that Jane asked Tal (does it really matter who does the asking!!) over dinner last week, fingers crossed we will be able to make it out to Australia for the wedding. Love to you both xxx

Now for the second part of my post.........all of my staff have been working very hard to get their NVQ 3 in Health and Social Care completed and this week they have done it!! Well done girls!

I only managed to take a picture of one of the cards as Steve went fishing and took the camera, and of course I wanted to give the girls their cards before yesterday as I am now on annual leave for a few days.............as my Dad and step mother are over from Oz.

I made this card especially for one of the girls as she has been an absolute diamond since I started......she has been so helpful, understanding and patient with me, I really dont know what I would have done without her.......
Thanks Jacqui xx

I brought the hat pins ages ago from a website that did them very cheaply and you got loads...... but they were really long so.........I cut this one down using my newly purchased Stampin' Up tool kit (how great are they!!!) and added a white bow.....need to buy some little beady, pearly things to go on them now.

The paper again comes from the pack I brought from K&Company.......I have a real thing for the vintage look!

Well, thats it for now, thanks for stopping by for a roam around my blog, hope you enjoyed!!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Birthday follow up.....

2009-09-22T20:03:00.004+01:00

I had not managed to take a picture of the card I made to go with the box for my friend Donna and only got to take the pic on Sunday.

I bought a large pack of designer papers from K&Company....I think they are called Classic, and I used one of the pages to make this card.....not much antiquing needed as they look quite old anyway!!!

I added a little bit of hardware (non SU) to add to the antique feel of the whole gift.......

.......and the sentiment was just perfect!

Thanks for stopping by, hope to get back into some sort of regular posting soon.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Happy Birthday Donna!!

2009-09-19T21:14:00.007+01:00

Sorry it has been some time since I posted anything but it has been a busy 2 weeks with family over from Australia, illnesses and work so finding a few minutes to sit infront of the computer has been difficult........but I really have missed it!!

Well, as it is her birthday tomorrow I thought it would be safe to post these pictures now..... I bought this box from John Lewis ages ago and kept it to alter especially for my friend Donna, it was the last one in the store at the time and yes I have been back to see if they have any more but noooooooo!!!

I have used Brocade Background Designer Paper (retired unfortunately!!) and inked around the edges to give it a distressed/antiqued feel to it. I also used some metal corners and a lovely rub on of a rose (cant remember where I bought that from...sorry).

I then made some personalized writing paper and envelopes with my Justrite monogram set, to go into the box making it a stationary set.

Donna has had a tough couple of weeks as well so I really do hope she likes this gift as it was made especially for her........

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look around my blog.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Sad News

2009-09-06T13:35:00.004+01:00

Sadly we have had some bad news Friday.......I wont go in to details, but Steve's eldest step daughter asked me to make a card to give to her gran who is very unwell. I had already done the watercolouring for this card so it was just a matter of putting it together.......

Thanks for stopping by to look around my blog....hope you enjoyed it.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

2 cards today....

2009-09-01T21:24:00.005+01:00

I wanted to post an altered project that I have done for a friend of mine whose birthday is coming up this month but I am worried that she might see it before her special day so I decided to post these 2 cards instead.

I made them a little while ago but with the weather being so bad lately the only chance I had to take some pics was this weekend......Steve also takes the camera fishing to capture those moments of glory and my picture taking time is usually on a Saturday morning.......while he is fishing!!!

Ok, back to the cards.....this first one I made using a stamp I bought recently (non SU) and I stamped the image twice leaving a gap in the middle for some ribbon.......

The sentiment is a Stampin Up rub on.....they are soooooooo lovely!!

This next card....which I really need to get in the post, is for a friend of mine in Australia. We grew up together since we were babies and she is my absolute best friend in the world!!

For you Tracey.........

Only a week to go now unitl my Dad and Wendy get here.......cant wait to see them!!! Of course I am excited about getting my NEW PAIR OF UGG BOOTS!!!!!!! Just in time for the cold weather....nice one Dad!

Thanks for stopping by to look around

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Fathers Day..........in Australia!!

2009-08-30T20:38:00.005+01:00

As the title suggests.....it is coming up to Fathers Day in Australia! Now before I got back into crafting and card making, I would have to buy an card in June here in the UK and then save it to send on to Dad in September......now of course I can just make him one!

Some of us find it difficult to make masculine cards and I am no exception!! I thought I would keep it very simple.....my Dad is a sailor and we have always lived near the sea so this card is very appropriate for him.

And he always wears a funny little hat when he goes sailing!! They are arriving here with us on Tuesday 8 September (2 days after Fathers Day......a little saving on the postage, although a little late getting it to him!!).

Well it has been a lovely weekend in our neck of the woods, hope it has been the same where ever you are!! And to top it off its a long weekend......good thing really as I need to blitz the house before Dad arrives, they are not staying with us (we just dont have the room) but still want the house to look nice.

Thanks for stopping by and looking through my blog....hope you enjoy what you see!!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

A sad day for us Aussies!!

2009-08-24T21:03:00.006+01:00

To all my fellow Australians out there.....I am feeling the pain as well!!! My Mum rang late last night, did not want to speak to me but asked for Steve....infact she did not even say hello to me...all she wanted to do was celebrate England winning the Ashes with Steve.....well, I say if she had any kind of loyalty to Queen and Country she would live here!!!!! But oh no, doesnt like the weather!!!!

Anyway, I noticed it had been a whole week since I posted anything....to be honest I have not done much crafting over the last week or two so I have had to drag out some older projects to show you.......these 2 cards I made using some very pretty designer papers (non SU) that I bought ages ago..............

Well my Dad and step mother arrive 2 weeks tomorrow so really need to get on and spring clean the house....it could be another week before I get to post any more.....Hopefully by then I will have found some more inspiration and got some crafting done!!

Thanks for stopping by to take a look at my blog..

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Here's to good friends........

2009-08-17T21:13:00.004+01:00

........and good sketches!! I dug out some of the sketches that people post and I save to get the creative juices flowing when I have lost my mojo. Here are two that I did recently.....

I really love the simplicity of the this card, the stark white with flash of colour..........

This designer paper came from a little set of 6x6 that I bought ages ago and have not really used. I have also not used this stamp until now so it was good to be able to put the two together.

Fingers crossed I get my car back tomorrow...it seems so long since it broke down but I must say I am sick to death of catching the bus now and just want to be able to drive!!!!!

Have a good evening and thanks for stopping by.....

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Cricut confusion.....

2009-08-16T13:18:00.006+01:00

I made a bit of an impulse buy a couple of weeks ago and my Steve is really no help what so ever when it comes to these sort of things..........he just says 'you want it, we'll buy it'!!! So then my new Cricut machine arrived and we have had to change the front room around and buy a set of drawers just so there is room for the Cricut!!! I will just briefly explain that we live in a tiny little house and I have but a small corner in the front room for my crafting..............see!!

It is extremely difficult to keep it tidy and try and ensure that it does not take over the rest of the room!! Anyway on to a card.....so I made this card for my brother in law who's birthday was a couple of weeks ago now but this was the first thing I made with my cricut.....it is only his name but it was something!! I am finding it difficult to get my head round how to use the cricut but it is also difficult because as you can see in the above photo there is no room to really use it to its full potential........we soooooo need to move!!

So here is the card...............

I have also been practicing using my watercolours so I gave this card a bit of a background wash to it to try and make it look like the truck was on grass with the sky behind it.

Well, thanks for stopping by to look at my blog, hope you liked it.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Remembering Friends...

2009-08-12T19:37:00.003+01:00

Evening all....

See I told you I would be back to do a post today!!!

Its only going to be a quick one though. I had a little afternoon nap today when I got home from work and I had a very vivid dream about a friend of mine who is living in Australia at the moment......I keep meaning to send her a card but after I woke up I went through my stash of ready made ones and picked this one for her. I immediately wrote it out and popped it into an envelope and it will go in the post tomorrow.

She is an amazing girl, went travelling across the world with a friend and once they ended up back in Oz she got a job (she is a renal nurse) and the hospital where she works is sponsoring her to stay for 12 months so that she can get residency. Her friend has come back to the UK so she out there doing it on her own and loving it so well done Sally I am so proud of you. Love and miss you loads. xx

Stay safe everyone

Kylie xx

A little bit of sunshine........

2009-08-11T20:35:00.006+01:00

....and an early finish from work makes for good conditions to take some photo's!!!! I finally managed to get some pictures done today as I decided to get away from work early. Unfortunately my car died last weekend...the cam belt (expensive!!!!) so I am having to catch the bus to and from work at the moment.....it takes me 50 mins each way!!

Back to blogging......I have a friend who buys some of my cards to sell in her shop and she asked me to make her some wedding/engagement cards...she also wants some birthday cards for kids which I am finding a bit difficult to do, not really my thing as I dont have kids and dont know many people with young children. Anyway, so I made her some wedding styled cards and here they are.....

I used this really great corner punch for this card which lets you slot the front of the card in like a photo......

On this card (above) I used 'Safmat' which my Mum recommended to me, it is a clear printable sticker type thingy which once put onto something is almost invisible and looks like a rub on. So you can print what ever you want on it, cut it out and then stick it on!! I used it to print the sentiment on....

Well, sorry it has been sooooooo long since I have posted anything but as most of you out there know.....life kind of gets in the way of hobbies!!

Hopefully I will be back tomorrow with more cards.......hope the sun was shining where ever you were today!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

No projects...

2009-07-31T16:25:00.004+01:00

Afternoon all........

I know it has been a little while since I posted any cards or projects...I have actually made quite a few cards to sell to a friend of mine who then sells them in her shop but with the weather being so bad lately I have not been able to take any pictures, no decent lighting in my house so I have to rely on the sunshine outside!!!

I did manage to get a shot of this card before the bad weather set in and before I sent it to my Mum in Australia, she had some sad news recently so the timing was perfect......

Such a perfect sentiment.....my Mum really is 'one of a kind'.......she is one amazing lady!!

I recently sent her a box full of goodies and due to the postage I paid it should have got to her in about 10-12 days.....someone at Royal Mail made a mistake and sent in economy so it wont get to her until the end of September......I sent it on 29 June!!!! Mum I am soooooooooo sorry it is going to take forever to get to you, I will make it up to you some how! xxx

Well, thanks for stopping by, hope you all have a great weekend!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

No rest for the wicked!!

2009-07-29T18:36:00.002+01:00

Sorry everyone,
Just to let you know that it has been a really busy week and I have not wanted to sit at the computer or my craft desk this week, just wanted to get home, have dinner and sleep........another busy day tomorrow but I hope to have something to post over the weekend.

Stay safe and see you soon

Kylie xx

More watercolours....

2009-07-19T20:11:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone

Hope you have all had a good weekend.......Steve went fishing Thursday/Friday nights and then Saturday we went to Luton for the day shopping. It was good to get out and enjoy the day but we have totally relaxed today, watched the Moto GP racing, then Steve fell asleep and I spent the afternoon card making! I also spent ages sorting out, tidying up and cleaning my craft area..........what a difference it makes!!! I can now actually see all my bits and pieces and it makes it so much easier to find what I need!

So onto the card below.....I bought this stamp set recently as I really like water colouring (just wish I was a bit better at it!!) and would really love to be able to paint a picture from scratch....keep dreaming Kylie!! But I dont think this has turned out too bad really.....

...........especially for my first attempt!!! Dont look too closely though....please!

Well, thanks for stopping by, hopefully the weather will improve soon and I can get some pics taken.

Stay safe

Kylie xxx

Water colour wonders!!

2009-07-17T16:24:00.003+01:00

Good afternoon everyone

I managed to get away from work a bit early today so thought I would get a post in before the electric goes off due to this massive storm we are having!!!!!!

Ok so I got some new stamps recently and settled in last weekend and did some card making.... I wanted to get some water colour practice in and here is what I came up with......on this first card I have used the water colour crayons.

On this next card I wanted to try something different...for me anyway......so I used the Stampin' Write makers as they kind of gave me more control over getting darker colours where I wanted them....

I really like how both cards turned out!!!! Let me know what you think, would love to get some comments.......

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Here comes summer!!

2009-07-13T17:53:00.005+01:00

Happy Monday everyone!!

For me this card just says 'summer'.....I found some lovely designer paper by My Minds Eye called Bloom and Grow which I have used here. I used it as a background combined with stamping the small flower from Seeing Spots on the actual card and then the paper and then used the paper to cut a flower with my Big Shot and a SU button for the centre of the flower. The stem of the flower is from a different Big Shot die to the flower but it still works.

The sentiment from Pocket Sillouettes fits perfectly onto the leaf of the stem, stamped in old olive ink onto old olive card stock.

Seeing so many gardens blooming and bursting with so much colour just inspired me to make a really summery card!!

Hope you like, thanks for stopping by.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Happy Birthday Dad!!

2009-07-12T11:00:00.005+01:00

It's my Dad's birthday today and I have been trying to get through to him for about 3hrs!!! Finally I managed to speak to him to wish him a happy birthday, I even rang his mobile!!!.......my brother put on a bit of a black tie affair for him last night and he has spent today with friends and family......obviously wish I could be there to celebrate with him........

So here is the card that I made for him....this is actually the 2nd card I made as the first one was just bad!!!

Ooopps....I forgot to take the photo's before I wrote on the card!!

Well, while the sun is shining today I am off to take some more photo's, hope you all have had a lovely weekend.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

True Friend

2009-07-05T09:43:00.004+01:00

There are so many amazing ideas out there by very talented people, unfortunately I cant remember where I found this one........sorry!!

With my new job keeping me very busy it has been difficult to find time to do any crafting and I need to get back into some sort of routine. I am trying to sit at my desk for at least an hour usually while Steve is in the bath, just to keep things ticking over.....

I really do like the design of this card and as usual I have gone for my earthy, natural colours!!!

Hope you have all had a lovely weekend and enjoyed the weather where it has been sunny....I know some parts of the UK have had rain (booooooo!) hopefully the nice weather will contine for a little while yet.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

More Big Shot

2009-07-03T19:12:00.006+01:00

It seems I am discovering more and more Big Shot Dies every time I look online or go into a craft shop......there are sooooooo many and they are fab!!!!!!!! I recently purchased these 2 which are a top note and a slightly smaller frame. I used my cuttlebug to emboss the Really Rust card stock and then managed to stick it down the wrong way round.....it still works though!

Well I really need to get back to the craft desk......I started a card the other day for my Dad's birthday and I have had real trouble finishing it off.....nothing I do seems to work or look right but I need to get it finished to go in the post on Monday (it really should have gone in today!) so that it gets to him on time!!

Hope you all have a wonderfull weekend

Stay safe

Kylie xxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM!!!!!

2009-07-01T18:22:00.005+01:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mum......her birthday was on Monday but due to the postal strike her card wont have got to her for the actual day but I am hoping it has got there by now so here is the card I made for her...........

I know you had a great day and obviously we wish we could have been there to help you celebrate, it was you who encouraged and inspired me to get back into crafting and I am so grateful......it was also you who introduced me to the wonders of Stampin' Up!!!

Remember you are always in my heart, thoughts and prayers.......love and miss you so so much.

Kylie xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Too Hot!!!

2009-06-30T18:46:00.005+01:00

It is so great to have such lovely weather but it just changes so suddenly we dont get the chance to get used to it and it then becomes very tiring............moan moan moan!!!! I know my Mum would love to be here now as the weather at home in Tasmania is terrible and very cold so I really shouldn't be complaining.

Anyway, so I have seen loads of these pretty little flower pot cards all over the net lately so I thought I would give it a bash.

I made this card for all the staff at my new job to say thank to them for making me feel so welcome......they seem to be a great bunch of girls and I am so grateful to them for all the help they have given me learning things!!

I also made them a pillow box each with a couple of chocolates inside....

Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine.....but remember to stay safe in the sun!!!

Take care

Kylie xx

Apologies

2009-06-23T21:54:00.002+01:00

Just wanted to say a quick 'sorry' for not being able to make it to Field Training in Peterborough tonight.....as you know I started a new job recently and so my days are filled with training, meetings, training and more meetings!!!! Unfortunately my meeting today went way over and then I had to go back into work so missed getting to Peterborough. I also have to be on a train to London tomorrow morning at 7am............once again sorry to those who expected to see me tonight, hope all went well and you have a lovely time. I will most definately make it to the next one!!!

Kylie xx

Happy Fathers Day.........

2009-06-21T17:18:00.005+01:00

......to all those wonderful Dads out there......my georgous man woke up this morning to a card and a HUGE Toblerone. I am also getting him a ticket to a local fishing lake but he will have to wait for that one!!!

Fathers Day in Australia isn't until early September and my Dad will be here visiting with his wife at that time so I wont have to post it and and hope it gets there on time!!

Anwyay, here is the card I made for Steve......

I got the idea and kind of cased this from Andrea Walford http://andreawalford.com/?cat=40

I really liked the style of her card and although mine is not exactly the same I tried to keep it as close as possible.

I have got a really busy week coming up, including field training where I hope to meet some more of you but forgive me if I look dead on my feet as I will have been in a meeting all day and then heading for London for training the next day!!!

Thanks for looking

Stay safe

Kylie xx

All boxed up!

2009-06-19T20:37:00.004+01:00

Evening all..........

I found a template for this little box in one of my craft magazines, but the measurements seemed to be all wrong. So I took it upon myself to play about and change things so that the box actually fit together!!! I dont know if the template was wrong or not but I couldn't see how to put it together they way it was in the mag.......anyway here is my version of it.

The stamp is called Boutique from Papermania and has some other lovely little stamps in the set.

Can you see my new little tomato plants in the background.....my mother in law gave me about 10 plants (I dont even like tomatoes!!!) which I had to re-pot (gardening is not my thing!!) but they seem to be surviving at the moment despite Spud's desperate attempts to dig and encourage the chickens to join her......oh yeah our neighbour has 2 chickens and Spud seems to think she is one now.........I found her asleep in the chicken coop the other night (sigh!!!)

Just a quick post tonight as my DH is away fishing and has taken the camera and I have some other cards which need photographing!!! Anyway, enjoy the weekend folks and hope to be back at some point before monday with some more items.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

BIG SHOT!!!!!!!

2009-06-15T19:00:00.005+01:00

Thanks to my most amazing man I am the proud new owner of a Big Shot!!!! I got a really good deal on it as it came with a large die and a pack of 4 smaller ones so I got right to it and had a go...........Once I had run the large die through the machine I got completely stumped as to what to do with it and it took me ages to actually make the card!!

I kept looking at the shape and picking out different card stock to use and then changing my mind.....trying different background colours and then I decided on this.

I wanted to 'jazz' it up a little bit, and I think I will try and use a DP next time and when I get some new dies, but I used some gitter on the flowers and then added a flat back pearl thingy....its a bit hard to see on the above photo though.....so see below.

I also added a sentiment from the Oval All set and then used some Diamond Glaze to finish it off.....you cant really see it in the photo but I put it on the small dots around the scalloped punch and on the butterfly wings.

Not bad for a first attempt.........cant wait to buy some more dies!!!!!

Stay safe

Kylie xxx

Stencils & Run On's

2009-06-12T17:07:00.004+01:00

Happy Friday everyone!

Well my first week of my new job has gone really well, the staff seem really nice and I think I am going to enjoy my time there........

Right, cards!!!!! I bought some stencil brushes the other day as I had seen an article in one of my craft magazines and really liked the look of using stencils. I got home and found one of the very few brass stencils I have and gave it a go.....fortunately it turned out ok and this is what I came up with. The sentiment rub on is not SU but I am definately going to get some in my next order!

Let me know what you think!

Have a great weekend people and stay safe....

Kylie xx

Information overload!!!!

2009-06-09T20:12:00.005+01:00

Today is day 2 of my new job and so far I can honestly say I am...................................loving it!!! There has been a lot of reading to do and loads more left to read but I am getting there....it is so strange to be working for a different company as everything is new and I dont know anything so there is soooooo much to learn, but having been with the same company for over 7yrs I feel like I am actually using by brain again!!!!

So back to blogging....... I made this card last week some time but only just took some pictures as the weather has not been great and have been busy with the new job so have not had time to post anything.

I cased this layout from a card I found in the June 2009 edition of Making Cards magazine on page 55. I really liked the style but wanted to make it totally different so I chose very different colours and style of stamp to make it more my own. I followed the measurements that were in the magazine which makes quite a large card, 21 x 24.5cm ....not something I would choose to make unless it was specifically for someone but for this I thought I would stick to the instructions!! So what do you think?????

Thanks for stopping by

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Swaps for Training

2009-06-04T16:14:00.003+01:00

Well, here they are........I think I have about 14 or 15 cards to take to Field Training with me later this month....which I am sooooo looking forward to, although I dont really know what goes on at these things it will be very interesting to meet up with other crafters and card makers.

I heard from my Mum that people often make ATC to take to swap but I cant seem to get on with them just yet......need to spend some time just looking at other peoples ideas and getting into the swing of them. I tried to make one last night but it just didn't look right so I gave up!!

Well I hope you like them and I hope to meet loads of you all at field training in Peterborough on the 23rd June.........see ya then!!!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Double pocket card

2009-06-03T17:10:00.000+01:00

A big hello to you all......

I must say I am totally enjoying my week off......the sun has been shining and I even got a little sunburnt!!

We had a bbq on Saturday night with the neighbours which was lovely as the weather has been so nice....over indulged on the wine a bit and suffered the next day, that will teach me!!

The card below was inspired by my Mum who gave me the instructions for the double pocket card.....I have seen many beautiful ones on other peoples sites but never thought to try it for myself. I have used the La Jardin Designer paper for this and keep the theme running through the cards as well. I just love this paper and really sad that it has now been retired as it is my absolute favorite.....I will just have to keep ordering it until they tell me it has run out!!

It is a bit difficult to see but I used the 'friend to friend' sentiment at the bottom of this card and Happy Harmony on the front of the pocket.

I really enjoyed making this card as I was trying something new and using paper and colours that I adore!!

Hope you like it too.......

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Simple, yet elegant......

2009-05-30T16:28:00.005+01:00

Hi all

Well I am now officially unemployed..........until 8th June that is!!!! I have given myself a week off to get a few bits sorted and maybe squeeze in some craft time. There were a select few people at my old job that I will miss terribly but hopefully will be able to keep in touch with, so wanted to make them a special card to say thanks for all the support and hard work they gave me over the years, here is what I came up with.......

This next card is a replacement for the one I made for my friend which I still cant find and think I posted off to Australia......which is no good as she lives here in the UK!! Anyway I kept it very similar to the first one as it was sooooooo right for Emma............

I have also made 5 cards to take to field training next month in Peterborough, was not really sure what I had to take with me but from reading other peoples blogs I got the idea that I needed to take some cards to swap. They are sitting here ready to go and I have taken pics but I am saving some them to post a little closer to the date.......not sure if 5 is enough but dont want to take too many incase people dont want to swap with me!!!!!

Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine......remember your factor 30!!

Stay safe

Kylie xx

What a weekend!!!

2009-05-24T14:53:00.004+01:00

I know, I know.....it is a glorious day outside and i'm on the computer posting!!! I have been outside trying to get some washing done and making the most of the sun shine but thought I would pop inside quickly and do a quick post.......

Here are a couple of cards I made last week.......

I made a really special card for my friend and put it in an addressed envelope ready to send to her.....the problem being that I had a large envelope ready to go to Australia and I think i might have put the card for my friend (who lives in Kent) in the Australia envelope!!!!!!! At this point in time I cant find the card in my house anywhere so it may be winging its way to Oz.....will have to make her another one.....sorry Emma xxx

Hope you are all having a fab weekend and enjoying the sunshine

Stay safe

Kylie xxx

More Birthday Cards!!

2009-05-22T18:40:00.005+01:00

Evening all and a happy long weekend to you........

Well as you know June is a busy birthday month for me and with only 4 working days left until I leave my job and start my new one I am not going to have much time to get cards made and in the post, so I am trying to get a bit of a jump start on them. I decided to take a week off between leaving one job and starting the next but I want to use that time to blitz the house and get ready for my new job........i'm sure some crafting time will be sqeezed in there some where though!!!

Ok, well this first card is for my beautiful god daughter who is turning 8 this year, I met her mum when I first arrived in the UK and she has become a life long friend......bless her she used to pick me up and take me to her house so I could do my washing, now that is a true friend!!

This next one is for another friend who I met again when I first got here, she has been through some very rough times lately and has only just started to come back into the land of the living so this card is made with all the love in the world for her..........

I am not 100% sure but I think the background stamp on this one is from Papermania......

Thanks for stopping by

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Just a quick one!

2009-05-19T21:07:00.004+01:00

Hi everyone,

Thought I would do a quick post tonight.......soooooooo busy at work right now, getting ready to wind down and hand everything over to my deputy on 29th!!!!! I am so ready to leave now, new horizons and all that.........

Anyway back to the crafting.... here is a card I made last week some time, I did manage to get loads done last week and I have been saving them to do over the next few days as I knew I would be busy and have no time for anything new. I made this card using one of my many sketches that I print off for my little 'ideas' book.

The small sentiment stamp is from the Fresh Cuts set but the background one is a stamp I picked up in one of the many crafting shops I have discovered around Cambridge....who new we had so many....my Mum is sooooo jealous, while she was here last summer we spent many a day roaming the region looking for shops she had seen advertised in her craft magazines.

Mum you need to come back so I can take you to all the new ones I have discovered.......bring an empty suitcase!!!!

Ok, so I was only going to post one card but I decided to pop another one in here......again one of my 'save for later' sketches......actually this was only last weeks Mojo Monday sketch http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/

Well, I hope you like them, thanks for look and feel free to leave a comment.

Stay safe

Kylie xx

Rain, rain go away!!!

2009-05-17T13:04:00.004+01:00

Firstly, I would like to apologise for the bad photo's......but the rain came and didn't stop so I wasn't able to go outside to take the pictures......

Unfortunately Steve's mum was taken into hospital the other day for suspected gall stones/infection so this is a card I made for her. I cased it out of my Papercraft Inspirations magazine although it is not exactly like the one in the mag, and my ribbon roses aren't anywhere near as good!!!

This next card I also cased from a little project book that came inside my magazine...again changes were made but the idea is roughly the same....the stamp set is from Papermania.

I recently bought this hard back journal from Capture The Magic in Soham, it wasn't that difficult to alter, although the back was more difficult as I had to try and cut the small holes in the paper for the eyelets on the back where the elastic is joined onto the book and I didn't quite get it right. Which is why I didn't take a pic of the back!!!

I think it turned out ok though..........what do you think??? Thanks for visiting!

Stay safe

Smiles xx

More challenges!

2009-05-16T11:19:00.003+01:00

Well, Steve has decided to treat himself to 2 nights fishing this weekend so me and Spud have the house and the sofa to ourselves!! It also means I can craft all weekend guilt free!!!!! So this first card is a challenge I saw on someone elses blog but a challenge set by ILWS....I cant seem to log on there at the moment but I took up the challenge anyway........and combined it with a sketch challenge (cant remember where I found the sketch though....sorry)

This next one is also a sketch challenge that I found ages ago....I print off the picture and file them in a clear plastic folder so that in times of loss of inspiration I can flick through until an idea pops into my head!

The sun keeps trying ever so hard to burst through the big black heavy clouds and I am running in and out of the house with loads of washing trying to get it dry......in between crafting sessions that is!!! Well, best get back to it.......might do another post later, thanks for stopping by and I would love to get some comments.

Stay safe

Smiles xx

Birthdays!

2009-05-15T19:04:00.006+01:00

Happy Weekend everyone!!

As mentioned in a previous post, June is a busy Birthday month for me and I have been working my little tush off to get cards made and in the post........this first card is for my step brother, nothing too fancy just clean and simple....I like it!

This card is for his wife......unfortunately her Birthday was earlier this month and I missed it, for some reason I have never known when her birthday is so now its on the calendar I wont be forgeting it again!

Although I have gone back to my normal natural earthy colours, I am still trying to branch out with other colour combos by using the wonderful colour challenges that regularly appear on other blogs.
A little while ago I posted a card that I had cased from Leslie Rich, well I decided to use her smooching technique again on this card which is for a very special friend of mine, I saw her recently when I went back to Kent for my birthday.......it was so good to see her and catch up and this style of card is just perfect for her, I so hope she likes it!
Stay safe and thanks for looking

Smiles xx

Mojo Monday challenge

2009-05-10T16:28:00.007+01:00

You wont believe it but my car has died again!!! Got up this morning, went to go out and nothing........why oh why do I not know a mechanic!!!

After hours of staring at the engine and wiggling this and that, Steve and I have given up on the car and it will have to go back to the garage tomorrow.

Back to crafting................as Steve went fishing on Friday night I sat as always for many hours at my craft desk getting some cards made. This one is for my niece who I have not yet met, fingers crossed her Mum and Dad will be bringing her over for a visit, this is for her first birthday! Although I followed the challenge sketch its not quite the same.........

This next card is for Steve's niece who has just got engaged........as I dont have the Mr & Mrs set I had to improvise a little but I cased the card from the SU Idea Book. I think it came out really nice, very impressed with it even if I say so myself!!!

Thanks for stopping by

Stay safe

Smiles xx

3D Items

2009-05-08T21:45:00.005+01:00

Happy Friday one and all!!!

Well thats another week gone and now it is only 3 weeks left until I finish up my current job, taking a week off and then starting the new one..........a little nervous!!

So I managed to get some bits done over the long weekend, June is a busy birthday month for me so I going that extra mile to get everything done in time, Steve has gone fishing so I can spend all night at my craft desk......joy!!! Couple of things have to go to Australia so they need finishing and getting in the post quick smart!

Anyway, enough of my mad ramblings lets show you what you popped on by to see.......

This little letter set was made using Lauren Meaders Timeless Template......she is amazing, I love her templates and I have bought soooooo many!!

I really cant remember where I got the idea for this but its a long note pad on a ring binder.

And lastly this little note book holder which I made for my friend Donna, I also made her a shopping list note pad to keep on the fridge, but this was just a little something for her to keep in her handbag......she loved them both!

Hope you like.......

Stay safe

Smiles xx

Live your Dreams

2009-05-04T20:51:00.004+01:00

Evening everyone.....

This is my last post tonight, despite having the long weekend I seem to be really tired today so I might have an early one.

I was trying to case a card I saw on someone else blog but it came out totally different and I absolutely love it!! The colours came together really well and this stamp is just beautiful. I used my markers as I orginally was trying to stamp the two stems seperately but it didn't work the way I wanted it to, but in the end it turned out fab!!

I wanted to put a sentiment on it but nothing seemed to fit so did not want to add one for the sake of it and then spoil the card.........I'm so glad I left it as I really do love this card as it is!

Thanks for looking, feel free to leave a comment...

Stay safe

Smiles xx

Sketches

2009-05-04T18:03:00.005+01:00

Working full time, I find it difficult to join in with all the wonderful challenges that people set so I tend to just print the sketch and do it when I get the chance.......these next couple of cards are based on sketch challenges probably from ages ago but only just dug them out to have a go. I dont always follow the sketch exactly but they are great for ideas to use up scrap!!

This next photo also includes a 3D item called 'From The Desk Of' made from Timeless Templates http://www.papertreyink.com/timeless_templates.html
And I have just realised that my garden furniture is the same colour as SU Really Rust!! Must remember to put something over the table when photographing this colour card!.

Hope all you UK residents have enjoyed the long weekend.......back to work tomorrow.

Stay safe

Smiles xx

Thoughts of Summer

2009-05-03T21:59:00.003+01:00

Still without the car so another day mooching around the house and crafting.......not all bad really. Another card here for you tonight, I have a few more but am saving them for in the week........this one is another water colour, looking at it on the computer I dont think I did a very good job of the colouring and it took me ages going through my now very small scrap pile to find just the right colour card to fit it all together. Well here it is and I hope you like it...........

Hope you are all enjoying the long weekend......I am!

Stay safe

Smiles xx

Cased

2009-05-02T17:46:00.006+01:00

Happy Saturday everyone......enjoying the weekend??

Sadly the part for our car did not arrive yesterday so we are stuck without the car for the bank holiday weekend. I did manage to pinch the work car for a couple of hours so we could get some groceries in at least.

I saw this card on Teneale Williams site http://www.tenealewilliams.com.au/wp02/ ( a fellow Aussie!) and thought I would case it.....not quite the same but near enough!!

This is for Steve's daughter Amber's birthday which is coming up this month, I have used Elegant Eggplant, Handsome Hunter, Taken with Teal and Whisper White card stock. It is diffcult to see but I stamped the main card with the Sanded background stamp but the other images are non SU, the main image of the flowers is Laura Ashley and the other was found in a craft shop so unsure of the brand.

These next 2 cards are very simple as again using up some scraps but I like the way they have come out..........

Card stock is Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard with Chocolate Chip and More Mustard ink. On the Live your Dreams card I have used Versamark and then white embossing powder.

Thanks for looking.

Stay safe

Smiles xx

Scrapbooking!

2009-05-01T12:23:00.005+01:00

Hello to all you scrapbookers out there!

Although this is not something I do...I know there is a HUGE scrapbooking community out there and Stampin' Up are offering a fantastic deal on Designer Papers at the moment. If you click on the link to the left you will see that they are doing a 'buy three get one free' offer! The customer website also shows you the many different designs to choose from.......but only while stocks last so be quick!! If you would like to place an order, please click on my profile where you will find my email address and you can email me your order and contact details.

This is a fantastic deal so dont miss out!!

Stay safe

Smiles xx

Back to nature

2009-04-30T18:18:00.005+01:00

Evening all.......

Just so busy at the moment so again this will just be a quick one......this is the last of the cards I made last weekend, hopefully will get a chance to do some more this weekend. Unfortunately we have not found our little mouse, so I think I will just have to brave it and do some crafting at my desk!

Believe it or not, I am still using up some scraps!! These earthy colours really work well with the Organic Grace Level 1 Hostess set.

Hopefully I will have some more post for you soon but might not be around for the next couple of days.

Stay safe

Smiles xx

Designer Paper

2009-04-28T18:19:00.004+01:00

Just a quick one tonight as I did not get home until late and just want to relax, the next few posts will be of cards I made last weekend........I have a mouse who has set up camp under my craft desk so until he is caught i will not, I repeat, WILL NOT be sitting at my desk!!

Mmmmmmmm......not sure about this one....what do you think??????

This one took me forever to work out and plan and put together.....kept trying different greens, a bit limited as using scraps so had to find bits that where the right size or enough card left to cut to the right size! Finally finished it and I am really pleased with how it turned out.

Please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts...........

Stay safe

Smiles xx

Cased

2009-04-26T16:16:00.004+01:00

While browsing through some amazing blogs I came across this card which I absolutely love.....I dont usually like really busy cards but I loved the way Leslie created a background from different stamps...... here is a link to her blog http://leslierich.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2008/02/03/background-stamping-from-scratch/

And here is my attempt at casing her card.....it is slightly different but I am really happy with the way it turned out.

Thanks for looking..........

Smiles xx

Clean lines & Simple designs

2009-04-26T15:50:00.008+01:00

Well I hope you have all had a lovely weekend......despite being 'on call' no one has rung me so my weekend has been nice and quiet. My car is still at the garage so we have been house bound, but we took Spud out for a walk this morning...bless her little legs, she was knock out when we got home!!

With the car out of action I have spent the last couple of days sat at my craft desk getting some cards made.......my scrap pile has been thinned out a bit but still working through it.............

I wanted to keep these ones simple, not too busy, with clean lines.......I keep looking at the Organic Grace stamps and I have to force myself to use them but once I have I love the way they come out!

This next one is for a friend, its not exactly for her as I am not going to write in it....its for her to keep or give to someone else. She doesnt know I am going to send it to her so ssshhhhhh! dont say anything!

Hope you like......leave a comment if you would like to!

Take care

Smiles xx

Shopping...

2009-04-24T18:36:00.007+01:00

If anyone out there is like me....I like to write lists, I usually have about 3 or 4 on the go at any one time and at Christmas its more like 7 or 8!! So when it comes to the grocery shopping I always have a list which I write and re-write many times over. So a friend of mine asked me to make her a shopping list pad she can put on the fridge, now this style of list is not what I like to use....I usually have a A5 piece of paper and I write my list in sections of where things are in the shop..........am I sounding a little weired here now??? Anyway I cant remember where I found this design (if its yours let me know and I will give credit where its due) and it is perfect for my friend!

Next is a card I made using the DCBD sketch from last week......I was saving it to use with my Soft Summer stamp set but that was on back order and only came the other day so I was too late with the Challenge.......but here it is anyway!

I am really enjoying using my SU markers....and I have got all the colours now which is great and I can experiment loads!!

Well thats it for now, hope you all have a happy and safe weekend

Take care

Smiles xx

Templates

2009-04-24T18:12:00.009+01:00

Evening all,

Ok....so I did manage to takes some photo's but only now getting the chance to post them. Spud is making it difficult as she is sitting on my lap barking at the computer screen.......she chases the cursor around the screen and then barks when the screen changes!! Bless her....

Back to blogging......
Here are a few things I have made over the week.

This is a template I purchased from http://www.papertreyink.com/timeless_templates.html Lauren has some great templates on there and they make such lovely gifts to give to family and friends.

I stamped the note paper and envelopes just to give it a more personal touch.......what do you think???

Smiles xx

Could it be........?

2009-04-23T14:57:00.002+01:00

3 days in a row with the sun shining!!!! Lets just hope the good weather keeps up and we have an amazing summer eh! I even managed to get a little sun burnt yesterday....although I was standing on the side of the road with my car having broken down....not impressed at all!!

Another very busy week for me so although I have done some crafting I have not had a chance to take any photos or do any blogging.......actually thats a lie, I have had the chance but my weary bones have not allowed me to get up off the sofa and do anything. I am hoping to take some pics later and I might even manage to get them on here....if not it will be soon...maybe the weekend......work really is just a nuisance and gets in the way of everything!!

Sorry for moaning x

Smiles xx

Soft and Subtle

2009-04-17T22:03:00.006+01:00

I must have a real bee in my bonet at the moment as I seem to have done a lot of card making and blogging over the last few days..........not saying its a bad thing but house work seems have been totally forgotten about and if I dont get ontop of it soon it is going to overwhelm me.....dont say a word Mum!!!!

So how is everybody??? Thank goodness it's Friday, even though it has been a short week thanks to Easter, today seemed to take forever to get here!! 42 days and counting until I start my new job......I cant wait!!

Right back to card making......believe it or not I am still working through my scraps but starting to get to the bottom of the pile. Here are a couple of cards I made last night.........

I really do love using water colours.....my Mum gave me her bold brights and rich regal crayons but I am going to get the soft subtles next as I have had to use water colour pencils (non SU!!) to do these and I am not sure how well they have come out. Not even sure if I am doing it right but just tend to do my own thing and if I like it well thats what counts eh!

This next card is a little difficult to see in the photo but I have used the Le Jardin DP and co-ordinated it with the French Flair back ground stamp

Well thats it for now.....stay safe everyone!

Smiles xx

New Toys!!

2009-04-16T21:16:00.003+01:00

I ordered these spellbinders waaaaaaaayyyyyy back in January.......they finally came the other day so I just HAD to try them out........so what do you think???

As I have been trying to use up my scraps, I have just been picking up random bits and trying them with other bits and comming up with my own designs.....I have seen so many great cards and designs on other blogs but I wanted to use my own imagination rather than my take on someone elses ideas. But I got a bit stuck tonight so I think I might need to look at a few sketches to get some inspiration and creative juices flowing again!!

I love how these deep reds have come out on the photos........

Enjoy

Smiles xx

A Change is...........

2009-04-16T21:07:00.006+01:00

......as good as a holiday, or so they tell me! So what do you think of the new look??? I love it!! Thought I would spruce up Spud's Spot ready for a new adventure. What's that you say, well last week I handed in my resignation as I finally bit the bullet and applied for another job and actually got it!!

I will be starting my new job at the beginning of June and I am really, really looking forward to it, so excited, so many new challenges.

So thats my news, now for a card or two.........still wading through my scrap pile!!

Smiles xx

Using up scraps!

2009-04-15T19:35:00.007+01:00

Evening all,

I have a rather bad habit of letting a pile of scrap card build up next to my craft desk and then I end up with not only a bit pile of mess but loads of scrap that I just dont know what to do with....so I decided the other day that I was not going to use any more of my card stock until I have used up as much of the scrap as I can. Here are a few more cards made from my 'little' scrap pile.............

I wasn't really sure if I would use or even liked the organic grace stamps but now that I have had a chance to play about with them, I really do like them!!! I like the clean lines and simplicity of this card. This next one is all a bit bold and bright for me but I do actually like it.........

And last but not least.....Live your Dreams......again!

Thats it for now......hope you like them, thanks for looking!

Smiles xx

Back to cards

2009-04-13T16:14:00.007+01:00

Well I have been really busy lately and not had much of a chance to do any posting although have managed to squeeze in some craft time......but did not manage to get cards in the post to Australia and have missed 2 birthdays and a wedding anniversary!! Posting cards tomorrow so although they will get there eventually they will be late! Sorry folks!

I so love the look of water colour and really want to do more with it.......I would love to be able to paint a water colour from scratch but my artistic flair doesn't really stretch to that.......

This one is for you Rosemary........

Something a little more masculine.........

Enjoy, hope you like them.

Smiles xx

Milk Cartons

2009-04-13T16:04:00.005+01:00

Happy Easter......hope everyone had a happy and safe weekend......and better weather than we had!!!

This is a really great gift idea and can be used for lots of different things........chocolates, lovely bathroom smellies, sweeties, anything really that will fit into the little milk cartons. I got the idea from http://www.inkingidaho.blogspot.com/ (sorry still cant get this link thingy right!!) and have made a couple for a friend of mine that wanted them to give as gifts.

Perfect little gifts for someone special!

Smiles xx

Workshop and weary!

2009-04-08T19:12:00.005+01:00

Hi everyone

Sorry not been around for a while....gosh nearly a week but I did manage to spend a day crafting last weekend but no time since for blogging but wanted to just post some pictures so that you dont forget that I am here!

The first pic is of my workshop very small area and loads of people so I think I will keep the numbers down a bit next time if I can.....it got a little crazy at times!! The rest of the pics are of some project that I wanted to try out....hope you like them.

Got to go now, so very very tired this week, looking forward to having a long weekend!!

Take care

Smiles xx

Tonight is the Night!

2009-04-02T13:19:00.004+01:00

What I should really say is that I have everthing ready to go, all nicely organised and prepared.....but I'm soooooooooo not!!!!

In truth I am mostly prepared, card all cut and ready in individual packs with all accessories required to make their card and gift, but me being me, I am panicking now and worried that I will leave something vital at home and end up looking like a right wally!!

Anyway, hopefully i will have some photo's to show and a lovely big order to put in tomorrow........fingers crossed, wish me luck!

Smiles xx

DCBD #2

2009-03-29T18:37:00.004+01:00

I really liked the colour combination in the DCBD Challenge this week so I decided to make another one swapping the colours around to showcase them differently. I also wanted to take some better pictures of my original challenge card, it has been such a beautiful day today and natural light really does do wonders for photo's!!!

I generally like to stick to using the colours of the challenge but decided to go a little outside the boundaries with my second card although not much.....I have just purchased some SU markers and wanted to play so used a little Regal Rose and Old Olive on part of the stamp for the next card.

Well thats it for today I think.......need to get a few more bits sorted for my workshop this week, so hopefully I might have some more cards/projects later in the week.

Take care, thanks for looking

Smiles xx

DCBD Colour Challenge

2009-03-27T21:24:00.005Z

Well this is my third post for tonight so make sure you scroll down...........

I know i'm a little late with this one but as always work cuts into crafting time!! Here is the DCBD Colour Challenge for this week.......

........and here is what I came up with.

Sorry the photo's aren't too great but no natural light and I wanted to get this posted before I fall into bed!

Recipe:
Stamps: Fresh Cuts, Best Yet
Ink: Rose Red
Card: Rose Red, Going Grey, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Accessories: 1 1/2" scallop square punch (non SU), spiral punch, 1/2" striped Bashful Blue grossgrain ribbon.

Thanks for looking.......goodnight!

Smiles xx

Designer Series Paper/Mini Catalogue

2009-03-27T18:55:00.005Z

Ok, still muddling on with using DSP on cards so here is another one that I made last night.......

and still cant work out the link thingy so that the whole web address doesn't come up.......aaaarrrrggggghhh!! Sorry, made a little box to go with this card, the design came from here http://www.scor-pal.com/dec2_magazine// its called origami box 11. Hope you like it!

Recipe:
Stamps: Oval All
Ink: Only Orange
Card: Only Orange, Prety in Pink
Accessories: Corner punch, oval & scalloped oval punch, 1/2" Pretty in Pink striped grossgrain ribbon, Sweet Always DSP.

Thanks for stopping by

Smiles xx

Templates

2009-03-27T18:33:00.007Z

Evening everyone,

Phew!! What a week, I have not stopped and have been 'on call' for the last 7 nights and finally I get to turn my work phone off and get some peace!! Phone calls at 3am are never good....and I am expected to give good sound advice....yeah right!

Anyway, fingers crossed I am going to try and put a link into my post (thanks Michelle for the instructions!!) lets hope I get it right. So I got the template for this cute little file from http://www.papertreyink.com/ (ok so it didn't work, didn't get the 2 ><>

I have made this as a thank you to give to the hostess who is holding my first workshop for me.

I have also made her a little note book and book mark to go inside it...............

Recipe:
Stamps: Carte Postale, School Book Serif Alphabet, Fresh Cuts, JustRight Monograms
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Rose Red, Bravo Burgandy
Card: Bravo Burgandy, Rose Red, Close to Cocoa, Natural Ivory
Accessories: Bind it all, Word window punch, 1" circle punch, 1 1/4" scallop punch (non SU), Twill tape.

Take care everyone, see you soon

Smiles xx