Happy New Years Eve

Evening,

Today I finally managed to get up to Whyteleafe for the first time since I moved in to look after my Mum. I always visit the church on New Years Eve to light a candle, and leave a rose, for my son Adam, my Dad and my friends brother. I was very lucky today as there was no industrial action on the railways so my journey went unhindered, if you forget about the torrential rain.

I popped Adam's picture under the tree before I left,

and then popped into my old work for some lovely red roses.

I also had coffee with the rest of the family, so all in all a lovely day, and not quite the emotional struggle that it usually is.

Having walked nearly 20,000 steps though, I'm not sure that I will manage to see in the New Year. I can see me being fast asleep lol.

So now it only leaves me to wish you All an amazing New Year. I hope that it is a healthy and happy one for everybody.

Please raise a glass to those no longer with us.

With much love and Crafty hugs

Kimx

A Box of Cards, Just for You, Just Because (Picture Heavy Post)

Evening, 

I don't know about all of you, but I have not been feeling particularly creative over the last few days.

I think Christmas prep probably got on top of me, and so today I decided to try and get back into the swing of things by finishing off a stack of cards. They only needed inserts and envelopes, but it is amazing how long it all takes. I keep promising myself that I will do it as I go, but the resolve never lasts, and so I inevitably end up with a pile of cards that need that finishing touch. Amongst the pile were a couple of boxes of cards that I made as Birthday prezzies.

I made a box and then filled it with cards to cover various occasions.

The lid was covered with a panel created from scraps left over from the cards inside.

I used various pieces of patterned paper from my stash and then added embossing using a leafy folder, along with die cut frames and bits and pieces.  

The top of the second box of cards.

I also created a matching Birthday card to go with each of the boxes for when they are gifted to someone.

All in all I have had a very successful day with 60 cards finished off to add to my card drawer. Lets hope that it gives creativity the well deserved kick that it requires.

Thanks for stopping by.

With Love and Crafty Hugs

Kimx

Many Happy Returns

Evening,

I've got another couple of cards for you tonight made using one of Jane's fabulous floral stamps JGS829 Many Happy Returns.

I stamped and embossed the image onto a piece of watercolour cardstock,

and then used Cosmic Shimmer Icy Pink Airless Mister to colour the image and the background.

The green is also an Airless Mister, Kiwi Twist, which I used to paint the leaves.

I used a ruler and craft knife to trim the panel and then fussy cut around the image before layering it over a dry embossed panel.

The second card was created in the same manner,

only this time I dry embossed a piece of handmade background 

for the panel on the right of the card.

Thanks for stopping by.

Love and Crafty Hugs

Kimx

Roses with Love

Afternoon,

I'm home safe and sound, although definitely not dry. The motorway can be quite a scary place when there is torrential rain and people continue to drive like idiots.

There is always one stamp in any collection that stands out against the rest, and I think for me it was this one in Jane's spring release for Woodware at Creative Expressions.

I love Jane's floral images but I particularly liked this one JGS836 Roses with Love.

I used a variety of handmade backgrounds for my cards

along with various sentiments.

It's still pouring with rain so I think that I will go back to my needlework, or maybe a little cardmaking, or even a crafty granny nap lol.

Thanks for stopping by, 

Love and Crafty Hugs

Kimx

A Crafty Task

Evening,

One of my crafty tasks before Christmas was to finish a card for the daughter of my old Boss. I promised him that I would still make cards for them as I have done in the past.

I found a piece of handmade background in my stash full of nice bright colours.

The floral stamp is one of Jane Gill's designs for Woodware at Creative Expressions.

I stamped and embossed the image and then used diluted bleach to paint with to remove some of the colour. I also stamped and embossed the card blank in gold for a nice contrast.

Of course her card would not be complete without her name on it.

My Christmas with the Grandchildren finishes in the morning when I get a lift home with Daddy on his way to work. No doubt there will be tears from Chloe who always gets upset when I leave, but I will be back with them very soon to babysit Jack when the Girls return to school before his nursery reopens.

Thanks for stopping by.

Love and Crafty Hugs

Kimx

Happy Boxing Day

Evening,

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas.

I joined a carers group shortly after starting to look after Mum. We meet up once a month for a well earned break, coffee and a chat. There are always useful tips to be learned from one another, and a hug to be given, or received, if you are having a hard time.

As this was the last meeting before Christmas we were given homework......to do something completely selfish. Something just for yourself over the festive period. 

I stayed with my daughter, Sin-in-law and the youngest grandchildren. We had a fabulous Christmas morning with all the usual traditions, and then they went to Becki's fathers for Christmas Dinner. 

This gave me the perfect opportunity to do my homework, so I put on It's a Wonderful Life, a favourite Christmas film, painted my nails and then spent the rest of the evening watching what I wanted on the box and doing my cross stitch. All in all the perfect way to spend the day., and tick the homework box lol.

There comes a point with the Grandchildren, where much as I hate it, I resort to giving them money for Christmas, and this year was no exception. 

Despite it being what they have asked for, it always feels like you have put very little thought into your gift, so I created these wallets to put the money into. It at least showed that I had made an effort.

They were created using a Sizzix die, some Christmas papers and a handmade poinsettia. 

They were greeted with gaps of delight and WOW from the littlies at least so it was a job well done.

Thanks for stopping by.

Love and crafty hugs

Kimx

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas to Everyone.

I hope that you have all had a wonderful day.

With much love and Crafty Hugs

Kimx

Countdown to Christmas - Day 24 Christmas Eve

Evening,

The kids have given in, at last, in their attempt to wait up to see Father Christmas. They have left him a mince pie and milk and a carrot for the reindeer, along with their pillowcases. Now if they can just stay asleep for long enough lol.

Just the last few Christmas cards to share with you. Quite a mixed bag really.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope Santa brings all that you wish for.

With love and Crafty hugs

Kimx

Countdown to Christmas - Day 23

Evening,

It never ceases to amaze me how different a stamp, stencil or embossing folder can look with just a change to the colours used.

The cards I am sharing tonight all use a fabulous 3D embossing folder.

I have used traditional reds and greens for the first two cards,

and then I opted for a more contemporary blue and purple theme.

And finally several colours of gilding wax.

Thanks for stopping by.

Love and Crafty Hugs

Kimx