Make me Smile

Evening Everyone
Here we are at the start of yet another Weekend, and boy what a cold start this morning. Definitely an Autumnal nip in the air!!
The challenge this week at Woodware is Make Me Smile.
Now I have to say that I have struggled a little with that today as it would have been my son Adam's 31st birthday, but this is the card that I made for you to make you smile.
It has been made using the lovely Woodware clear set FRCL165 Winding Paths and a little masking.

I made a very similar card as a Welcome to your New Home, but that will wait for another time.

 I have no pictures of my 'Ammi', as we called him, on my laptop so I have had to take a picture of a picture.

They are somewhat dated since he was actually 20 when he died, but they are a couple of my favourites and they definitely make me smile.
Happy Birthday Hun and hugs to All
Kimx

Baby Wipe Reinker Challenge at Technique Tuesday

Evening Everyone
Well my Sky box officially hates me. All I can say is thank God for Sky channels +1.
For some reason my box stopped recording part way through the Opening Ceremony to the Paralympics last night!!!
Fortunately I was catching up on some previously recorded viewing and noticed  so that I didn't miss too much, only some of the Teams entering the Stadium.
Wasn't it Awesome!! We can certainly lay on a good do.
Joclyn, who comes to classes at Davina, and her entire family are among the volunteers at the Paralympic Games. This means that we will hear all about it from first hand experience when she manages to get back to class later in September, once her duties are done.
One of my lovely Crafty Cardmaking Teamies, Mynnette,  runs a challenge blog called Technique Tuesday, where this month she has shared a Baby Wipe Reinker Challenge with us.

I having been trying all month to come up with something for it, and finally suceeded tonight.
The background to the main panel was created using Mynnette's technique, and then I stamped and embossed a lovely Woodware image over the top of it.

This is a close up of the panel which I sponged with Distress ink around the edges and embossed with clear powder.

I added some ribbon and a little Faux Card Candi.
I'm rather pleased with the results even if it wasn't exactly what I had expected, still isn't that half the fun of trying out something new.
Why don't you pop across and check out some of the other lovely techniques that she has shared, and maybe have a go at one yourself.
Hugs Kimx

It's a Recycled Gift

Afternoon All
Well I seriously hope that this rain stops before this evening.
It is the opening ceremony for the Paralympic Games in case you had forgotten. I hope that it is as awesome as the events organised for the Olympics.
It is such a shame that there doesn't seem to have been the same build up or coverage, even if in my humble opinion they have worked even harder than 'ablebodied' athletes to achieve their goals.
Anyway, I will get off my soapbox, and just wish Team GB the very best of luck.
The challenge this week over at Our Creative Corner is 'Recycle it with a POP of Green'

I decided that I would make an Engagement Gift for Vicky and Greg by recycling a couple of items........

The picture frame is another of the very cheap wooden ones that I bought, the oval frame that has been stamped and embossed onto the back of a piece of a cereal packet and the flowers are made from the foil dish that once held a meat pie!!!
I hope that the Guys at Our Creative Corner consider that to be a sufficiently good use of some recycled items.

I got the idea for the flowers from something that I saw on Buttons fabulous blog. Thanks Hun xx
The frame was covered with some die-cut Magnolia Swirls and Hearts (left overs from a DooHickey border) cut from card and stuck on using Pritt stick glue. After that Aluminium sticky backed tape from a car accessory shop was added. (See HERE for a previous blog post with more detailed instructions)
I used Alcohol inks - Oregano, Latte, Rust, Mushroom to colour the frame and flowers, and then Lettuce and Pesto for the leaves.
They were all cut using Nestie and Cheery Lynn dies.

The oval frame was cut from a piece of cereal box and then stamped and embossed using Versamark and Aged Ivory Frantage Embossing Enamel and sponged with Old Paper distress ink.

I made a box for my gift and wrapped it with tissue paper before I gave it to Vicky, as the flowers are a little delicate.
I added plenty of silicone to the underside of the flowers to help give them a bit of stability.
I would like to enter this into the following challenges
Allsorts Challenge - It's a Gift
Our Creative Corner - Recycle it with a POP of Green
Fashionable Stamping Challenges - Floral Creations / Handmade flowers
Robyns Fetish - Anything but a Card
I'm going to try and get some crafting in now.
I've set the TV to tape the Opening Ceremony as I'm bound to fall asleep. Not, I hope from boredom, just plain tiredness lol.
Happy Crafting and have a great evening.
hugs Kimx

A late night Happy Birthday

Evening Everyone
Just a quick post tonight. I had a couple of friends round for a spot of crafting, and as usual it got later that I realised - how the time flies when you are having fun with like minded 'Crafty Folk'.

This card was made for the eldest of my Brother's children, Lauren, who has her birthday today.
They have a house full of dogs (and a couple of cats and a rabbit) so I thought that this lovely Lili of the Valley die cut seemed somewhat appropriate.

The background papers are from my stash, the greeting is from Hobby Art, and the punch is from EK Success. I cut the image out using a circular nestie and added a little faux card candi.
Must get to sleep now, I'm starting to nod off lol.
hugs Kimx

It's a very small world

Afternoon All
Have you had a good day?
We've been rushed off our feet today,quite typical for a Bank Holiday.
I've had my 'granny nap' so now I need to get back to the business of crafting lol.

This is a card that I made to give to Vicky a lovely lady that comes into the garage. She has ordered a couple of cards from me in the past, and as she has just got engaged it seemed the ideal opportunity to make something for her. You know me I don't need much of an excuse to make a new card.

If in doubt reach for the Lili of the Valley toppers I say!!
I've cut the image out using a circular nestie with the ear peeking Outside the Frame which is what they are looking for over at Sweet Stampin Challenge. 
I really must practise this a little more so I can be braver with how much I leave  outside the frame.

The sentiments are from Lili of the Valley and Hobby Art and I added some grass using my new Memorybox die.

I was busy at the weekend designing a card for Vicky to give to her Bridesmaids or Maids of Honour. Imagine my surprise when she arrived to talk through what she wanted and my daughter announced that they used to go to school together - it really is a very small world.
My craft room is calling, so I think its time to get myself a coffee and get stuck in.
Like I said I don't need much of an excuse to make a new card.
Happy Crafting
hugs Kimx

A Birthday Bear

Evening Everyone
I hope that you have had a lovely relaxing Sunday.
At least the weather has been better today, no rain. Well not here at least.
My brother obviously has a liking for this time of year as all 3 of his children were born in August. (Or perhaps it's more a liking for November lol)

I made this card for my nephew Callum.
He's not so very little any more, being a strapping 22 year old, but hopefully you are never too old for this little cutie from Lili of the Valley.

I coloured him with my Distress inks to match the Scrap Background that I had in my box.
I found this technique over at the  Crafty Bloggers Network. It is a fantastic way to use up all of those scraps of background paper. I have several pieces in my 'Bits Box', ready to go lol.
Oh boy, look at the time. I don't know about the rest of you but I have to be at work at 6am as normal tomorrow so I had better get to bed.
Night, night
Hugs Kimx

Red and Green should be seen at Christmas

Evening Everyone,
Well what a difference a Bank Holiday Weekend makes lol.
I have managed to get some cards finished today but I have had to try and take photos in between the torrential downpours that we have been having here.
Trust the weather men to get it right when it's a Holiday weekend, bloody typical!!

One of the things that I try to do on a Saturday morning is to check out the challenges and so I was pleased to see that the new challenge over at Winter Wonderland is Red and Green.
This is actually another of the cards that I made for Woodware, but I think that it fits the challenge rather nicely.

I love this fabulous Jolly Holly stamp designed by my friend Jane Gill.
It is a joy to colour and I just love the fine lines, definitely my kind of image.

I have coloured the holly and bauble with Distress inks and added a little glossy accents.

The sentiment is also part of the set, even though it is called a Clear Magic Single.
Let's hope that tomorrow is a little nicer weather wise.
I don't want it too hot, but dry would be good so that the kids can at least get outside.
Night night.
hugs Kimx

Alter It for The Stampman Challenge

Hi Everyone,
It's Friday again, and time for a new challenge over at The Stampman.
This time we are looking for you to ALTER something making it different from it's original appearance.
You can alter a plain box, picture frame, book, bottle, tin, notebook cover, or any other item that inspires you to change it!!

I wasn't sure what to do for this one and then I remembered a box of plain wooden Picture frames that I bought, and a roll of Aluminium tape that my Sin-in-Law had got me at a car accessory shop.
And this is the result.

I meant to take pictures of the blank frame but I forgot, sorry.

Anyway, I cut some leaves and swirls using my Memory Box Swirly Tree and Cheery Lynn Olive Branches dies and stuck them to the frame using a Pritt Stick.

Next I covered the whole thing with the Aluminium Tape which is a bit like Sticky Backed Plastic on a roll about 2 inches wide.
I rubbed firmly all over the frame with a piece of foam to make sure that the full texture of the pattern shows.

Next comes the fun, and messy part, colouring the frame with a combination of Alcohol Inks - Denim, Meadow, Stonewash and Pearl.

I love how it turned out.
I had intended putting a picture of the family inside but couldn't get anything to print out so I decided to go with something a little more my style.

I love this Resist technique which I have used quite a bit lately and describe in more detail HERE.

This particular panel was created using Woodware Clear Magic JGS273 Wheat, FRS212 Alphabet Background and Distress Inkpads - Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Broken China and Faded Jeans.

The ghosted image in the background has been created by spritzing the stamp with water before stamping it onto the panel.

I also spritzed the entire panel with a little Glimmer Mist.

I felt that it need something to finish it off so I added text from a Hobby Art clear set Friends Sentiments.
I would like to enter this into the challenge at Frilly and Funky - How can you Resist.
Don't forget to check out what the rest of the team have come up with, there are some fabulous Altered items over at The Stampman.
As always there is a £10 gift voucher up for grabs, so get you thinking caps on and Get Altering.
Happy Crafting.
hugs Kimx

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much xx

Hi Everyone
Another Early post for me.
I have unexpected babysitting duties to perform this evening (one of the perks of being a live in Granny ) so I need to get this done.
Saskia has already requested Mulan on the Boat!!! What she actually means is Pocahontas 2 which is what we said we would watch next time I babysat. It's amazing what they remember and how they describe it lol.

Saturday 11th August was the day my niece Vicky got married to Stuart. By coincidence it was also the day I met my kids Dad some 30 odd years ago.

This is the card that I sent the happy couple to celebrate their day.

The flowers, leaves and swirl are all made using Magnolia DooHickeys.

The background paper is Magnolia and I have stamped and embossed my favourite Hero Arts Leafy Swirls using Frantage Aged Ivory Embossing Enamel.
Of course no Wedding card would be complete without plenty of bling and some ribbon and lace.

This greeting is by Printworks and I cut it out with a Nestie.
I also used the Frantage powder on the background card and added Antique Linen Distress Ink.

This greeting is from Lili of the Valley.
I would like to enter this into the following challenges
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Pins and Needles. Only one pin I know bur perhaps they will forgive me :O)
Sweet Stampin Challenge - Weddings and Anniversaries
I had better get some dinner now before the picture show starts, and maybe pop some corn.
See you later.
hugs Kimx

Secret Circles

Hi All
Another fairly early post.
I have been a very good Girl and have caught up on all of my DT commenting today. I've even made notes so that I can help out with choosing a winner if needed. I've impressed myself lol.
I've been trying to get the computer stuff done early so that I can play afterwards, reward for good behaviour don't you know :O)

I made this card at the weekend, and by happy accident found that it fits the challenge over at Secret Crafters Saturday Challenge where they are looking for Circle Cards.

It has been made entirely from items found in my 'Bits Box'.
In fact the only things that I have had to cut from scratch are the main card and the outer black glossy circle.
It's amazing what you can find when you start looking for something completely different - if that makes any sense lol.

Even the flower, which was made at a class some time ago perfectly match my Tilda, how lucky is that!!
Anyway I deserve my reward now, a couple of hours play before bedtime.
Happy Crafting All
hugs Kimx

A couple of Christmas Challenges

Evening Everyone,
Hope that you are well. I am coping much better with the weather today as it has been much cooler here. Much more my type of weather, not too hot, and a light breeze.

This card was made a little while ago but fits perfectly into a couple of this weeks challenges.
Weekly Christmas Card Challenges are looking for Faith.
The theme challenge this week at 52 Christmas Card Throwdown is to use a Christmas Carol or Hymn for inspiration. Depict the title, line or verse from any Christmassy song.
The main image on my card makes me think of Oh Little Town of Bethlehem.
Finally Craftyhazelnuts Christmas Challenge asks for a building to be included.

I have coloured my image which is a Stampendous stamp using a Watercolour technique and my Kaleidacolour ink pads.
I'm not sure which one since this was from my Christmas bits box.
I have layered it over black glossy card cut using a Nestie.
The zigzag is also a stamp but I have no idea who it is made by.
That's another card for my Christmas stock pile. It really has worked well checking out the Christmas challenges this year, I have had so much fun making them.
Wow this post is early for me, I might even get to do a little more on a DT piece before bedtime, but for the moment dinner calls.
Happy Crafting and have a great evening.
hugs Kimx

Oh I do like to be beside the Seaside with Crafty Cardmakers

Evening Everyone
Just a quick post tonight to remind you that there is a new challenge over at Crafty Cardmakers.
Our host this time is Yvonne who has chosen a Seaside theme.
She would like a post card [6x4inches approx], showing a beach scene, and would like it to include some beach and the sea, for the background to the focal image.
So as long as your creation is a postcard, is approx the right size and has a beach and sea background, anything else seaside related will be fine. You could even do a saucy postcard, or a scenic view as long as it meets the criteria.

We are sponsored for this challenge by DIGI DOODLE SHOP who are offering a $10 voucher for their store.

We are also sponsored by One Stop Card Crafts who are offering a £10 voucher to be spent in their store.

Please stop by and check out what the Design Team have come up with, and maybe give it a try yourself, you never know, someone has to win lol.
By the way don't forget that the call for new Design Team members is still open. Check out the blog for requirements.
Happy Crafting
Hugs Kimx

Embossed Resist with a twist.

Evening Everyone,
Wow isn't it hot!!
I know that we shouldn't complain but you know us Brits never satisfied are we lol.
I have to say that I really struggle in this weather so I was hoping that all the thunder that was rumbling around earlier would lead to a seriously heavy downpour, but it was not to be. Maybe it will happen during the night.
Anyway, we had another lovely class at Davina's yesterday, although it was a little like a sauna bath since the class is held in her Conservatory.
Lovely and bright but very hot.
Gill even arrived with her legs on display so it really must have been warm :O)

I was teaching them a lovely Embossed Resist technique that I first saw done at the Port Sunlight show a couple of years ago. Once again I have used a wonderful stamp from Woodware along with a Hero Arts Newsprint Background stamp.

The technique involves stamping the background stamp onto white card using a dye based ink pad.
Make sure that this image is dry before stamping and embossing a solid image (Woodware JGS273 Wheat) over the top using versamark and clear embossing powder.

The next step is to apply plenty of dye based ink and the embossed image 'POPS' through.
I have trimmed the panel and added thin ribbon and Card Candi.

The background panel had been created by sponging more dye based ink onto white paper or card and then stamping using the same Wheat stamp only this time spritzed with plain water.
The greeting is also by Woodware.
I love this technique, in fact I managed to finish off several cards this weekend so you will probably be sick of seeing them over the next few days lol.
Oh boy, another late night, where on earth does the time go?
I had plans to catch up on my e-mails and all sorts which isn't going to happen now.
Never mind tomorrow is another day as they say!!
Night night
hugs Kimx

Guest Spot a Our Creative Corner - Office Supplies

Hi All
It has been a very busy week for me.
As you know I just love the challenges over at Our Creative Corner, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to be asked to be their Guest Designer this week.
Their challenges always make you dig deep into your creative recesses and this one was certainly no different.
The challenge this time round is to use Office Supplies (see picture inspiration) -  Staples, Post-it Notes, String, Sticky Tape! Use your imagination and come up with a fabulous creation with those common items. But here's the twist, I want to see the colour RED. Lots and lots of RED!
Well I wanted to get this right so after several e-mails back and forth to the team I made my card.
I made it for my Mum's birthday which was on Wednesday, she's quite used to getting them late lol.

I took pictures and started to write my post and then while I was at work I realised that I had forgotten one very important and major ingredient NO RED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So having checked with the team that the card itself was OK it was back to the drawing board for a remake.

So here is Take 2, with LOTS of Red.
The picture makes it look rather brown but I promise it is definitely red.

In fact these are the ink pads that I used along with the lovely Hero Arts Leaf Flourish stamp.

I used two strips of  Masking Tape on the main panel for the card and then sponged and stamped using a combination of inks and the Leaf Flourish and an Inkadinkadoo clear stamp set.

The main focus of the card is created using a couple of Manila Tags.

The strips across the bottom of this one are made from sponged and stamped Masking Tape and Staples.

I stuck the Tape strips to a scrap of paper to colour and stamp on them and then I covered them with clear embossing powder to seal before adding them to the bottom of the tag.

The second Tag was screwed up and then coloured with Perfect Pearls.
I can't remember where I saw this technique so I can't post a link to it.
If anyone knows please tell me so I can let everyone else know as it was a brilliant technique.
(Edited to add link to The Artful Maven Faux Leather Video Tutorial - Thanks Buttons xx)

The flowers were punched from strips of card which have been sponged and stamped onto. The paler flowers are made from strips of coloured Masking Tape.

I added Brads to the corners of the card and the flower centres, and there is also some Bakers Twine in there as well.
I hope that you will feel suitable inspired to enter this wonderful challenge.
I look forward to seeing what you come up with, and don't forget to pop over and check out what the TEAM have done. I can't wait to check it out myself.
Oh and Mum your card will be with you very soon, I hope you think it was worth the wait.
It very nearly did have a hint of red on it as I cut myself while making the flowers and leaves lol.
I have a metal plate that I place in my Cuttlebug to help cut intricate shapes like the leaves. As I was putting things away the plate slipped and I grabbed it right on the edge - OUCH.
I had to go calmly into the kitchen and get a rather large plaster without my Granddaughter Saskia seeing me as she is absolutely freaked out by blood. No chance of  her being a nurse anytime soon :O)
Off to get ready for my class at Davina's this morning. I always look forward to my classes there as we have a good laugh........ and throw in a bit of work as well.
Happy Crafting and have a great day.
hugs Kimx