Christmas Preparations

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000Z

Anything goes is the theme over at TIOT this week so here is a little Christmas stocking on my Christmas tree. I used a pattern from a class I went to by Clare Rowland - the designer of Molly Blooms stamps but this time used all I want for Christmas papers by Blonde moments. unusual for me not a stamp in sight!

Do stop by and see my team mates creations which are gorgeous!

Happy St Nicholas day!

2011-12-06T10:47:00.002Z

Over at Try it on Tuesday we are celebrating The Big guys special day with a week long challenge of cards with Santa on.

here I have used Tim Holtz mini Christmas stamps and distress inks to create this card.

As always my awesome teamies have some fab samples to share so do stop by

Try it on Tuesday to see them x

Blog candy winner

2011-12-02T23:02:00.003Z

Hi All

sorry i am late posting this but the winner of my candy is

no 3 Elizabeth

Thanks to everyone who joined in.

Elizabeth please email me at clarkyj44@gmail.com with your address so I can post to you

You ahve one week from now before I choose another winner x

100 Followers Candy!

2011-11-30T10:32:00.000Z

Sorry it took so long folks but it has been a very long week work wise - The price to pay for having time off at half term!

Here is a little candy to say thanks for following my Christmas Preparations blog - so to be in the draw to win please

1) be a follower

2) spread the word on your own blog in your side bar

3) leave me a comment here.

In the prize is

Some diecuts

some clear peg stamps with block

Some ribbon

and some handmade by stickers.

I will do the draw on the 30th November so plenty of time to enter

Good luck folks and thanks for stopping by xx

So a touch more Christmas for a change!

2011-11-24T11:56:00.004Z

A couple of weekends ago Michelle and I (AKA Lovin Ink) did this fab bauble workshop. here is one I put together using the Molly blooms stamps

Here is santa on Dec 26th

and here are Molly and George on the 24th sat by the fire waiting for Santa to come!

Now Michelle commented that I should not have snow inside the bauble as the scene is indoors - but hey i never follow those sort of rules and snow is perfect for the bauble LOL

This works perfectly for the snowflakes and sparkle challenge at The Paperlane this month.

It also suits The little red wagon challenge which is a Christmas project

Here is a sample one of the ladies did in the class Alison

Molly Blooms stamps

coloured with promarkers

fake snow from B&M bargains (£1 for a massive bag!)

Baubles were given to us so let me know if you find any on the net!

Bells - from a dismantled wreath - lots for £3

Ribbon from the Stamp Man - oodles for £2-99!

Bauble stand a bargain from past times at £2.40

Garden twine from poundland - tons in a tin for yes you guessed it a pound!

I will be making more of these this weekend as I am off on a craft retreat to Claxby in Lincolnshire Friday to Monday non stop craft and celebrating so watch this space more Christmas to come!

Try it on Tuesday - Honey I shrunk the plastic!

2011-11-22T01:51:00.001Z

No idea which Dt member chose this theme but shrink plastic is such fun to play with - have you ever tried it? well my favourite use is making charms for projects which is what i have done here. I have taken a magnolia circle stamp with North Pole on it coloured the plastic and then shrunk it. This utterly gorgeous Father Christmas is by Tim Holtz and I have used some papermania snowflakes to do a red on red background The father Christmas has been stamped with cherry cobbler SU ink onto some glossy paper - I love this glossy look.
Here is a blurry close up of the charm hanging from the bow - and a wee snowflake just finishes it off.

This is perfect for St Lukes charity card challenge - theme Christmas and also Creative card crews Monochromatic

So do you fancy shrinking the plastic? do stop by Try it on Tuesday and see what other projects the DT have come up with x

Christmas gifts

2011-11-16T11:41:00.002Z

I realised today I have not shared many of the Christmas gifts I have been making lately. Here is a little jar of bath salts - lavender and lemongrass - just jazzed up for Christmas.
and here a tealight card - gorgeous little stocking filler or token gift.
These tealights came from lidl - what a bargain 24 for £1.99! making this a very economical gift!

Don't forget the Christmas candy - just leave a comment on the above post for a chance to win x

Janet

Unusual card shape at Try it on Tuesday

2011-11-01T10:13:00.003Z

Over at Try it on Tuesday today we are playing with unusual card shapes. I have been having a stash sort out for a charity event in a few weeks time and came across these long forgotten triangle cards lurking in a box long untouched. Along with this fab red paper i set about playing rather than sorting!

Stamps are the ornament set by stampin up with go perfectly with the ornament punch. A little ribbon and some white stones and its done.

We have a fab sponsor this week - One stop card crafts - so do stop by and check out the challenge. Hope you have crafty fun today xx

102 followers time for candy then!

2011-10-29T16:37:00.001+01:00

I am thrilled to see whilst i have been away I have tipped over the 100 followers mark.

To celebrate I am going to do a Christmas candy giveaway so watch this space whilst i find some candy........

Its been a while

2011-10-18T08:52:00.001+01:00

since Try it on Tuesday visited here however with the theme "taking to the skies" it was a perfect chance to show you what we did last month at my Christmas sessions. A mixture of Anitas stamps, Inkilicious and Tim Holtz with Stampin up inks I love the Santa shadow flying across the moon.
My children always thought they could see the lights from Santa's sleigh as we came home from the 4pm service on Christmas Eve - something magical about that time having sung carols, greeted everyone at Church, wrapped up warm in gloves hats and scarves for the walk home then spotting lights in the almost dark sky - convinced it was a sleigh and not a plane. I swear we even heard sleigh bells one year. With all my babies grown up we have less of that magical talk but no reason to forget those special times.

The lovely poem was bought for my birthday by the wonderfully talented Alison who comes to many of my classes. I just know it will be used time and time again! Thanks so much Ali x

Do stop by Try it on Tuesday where my team mates have all come up with such different projects this week

Only 96 days to go.... Good old Ringtons!

2011-09-19T16:50:00.005+01:00

Cor best get cracking on this Christmas prep lark - 96 days will sure disappear quickly! This is going to be the Christmas get together at my house project for October -I do hope the ladies enjoy it!
Although activity has been slack in the blogging for Christmas department it has not in the real world. I bought 3 pressies today and my table centrepiece from the Ringtons man! Along with admiring his very chic Kipling bag his basket was bursting with ideas. Never heard of the Ringtons man? check them out here Ive been supping their tea since I was knee high to a grasshopper and my Mum, Grandma and great Grandma too - fab they are still making gorgeous gifts after all this time! Their door to door round is an excellent service especially for those less able to get out and about with very very affordable goodies that I succumb to every year find out more here. My Ringtons Man (Skipton) is particularly friendly and is never surprised I am still in my Jammies at 11-30am or that my hair hasn't seen the brush or that I never have the right change if I have cash at all! I bought 3 of these and this is my table centre piece complete with chocs Isn't it cool? I can fill it every year with surprise goodies!

There I am feeling much more organised already....

xxx Janet

Christmas cards from my card classes

2011-08-19T09:57:00.003+01:00

Here are a couple of cards I made this week for examples of snowmen cards for the ladies at my card group. lush papers are by basic grey and making memories
I used my new spellbinders lacey edge die and looped ribbon in the holes.
This works out perfectly for the bah humbug challenge of something new as not only are the spell binders new I have never played with the ribbon in that way before.

Was quite pleased how it turned out too! how are your Christmas Preparations coming along?

Winter Wonderland Angels and fairies

2011-07-29T08:33:00.002+01:00

Hi All - This will be my last winter wonderland DT post after 18 months i have decided i cannot keep up. The girls are a wonderful team and i know the blog will continue to grow and flourish - Thanks for having me :0)

Onto the card - I have used a tilda image, bo bunny papers and a martha stewart punch then threaded ribbon through the slits. Tim Holtz pine branch stamp for the edges, Stampin up sentiment and a lovely bloom to finish off.

my Team mates as ever have done an ammmaaazzing job so do stop by and say hello here

Christmas card class

2011-06-29T10:28:00.001+01:00

Another Christmas card class last night where the theme of Tim Holtz spilled over into next months theme of trees! This lush colour combo was discovered by one of my regular attendees - Alison. We were using Stampin up inks and Alison played with these colours - crumb cake, old olive and rich razzleberry. When the class was over I had a play myself and made this quick card. Stamped on cream which has the edges distressed lightly then inked with crumb cake (such a lovely colour) its then mounted on rich razzleberry card stock and onto a Kraft card blank. The trees are Tim Holtz and the sentiment butterfly kisses.

This is thin enough to go through the post on an ordinary stamp to so an extra bonus!

Thanks for the inspiration Alison!

Janet x

So pretty in pink - Winter Wonderland

2011-06-24T09:00:00.001+01:00

well this is a first for me - seriously this was a huge challenge to a traditional red and green gal but actually I had lots of fun with it too.

Over on Winter Wonderland this week the challeneg is to make a Christmas card that is pretty in pink. Now I do love pink and brown together and as kraft card is my fav colour at the moment I decided to combine it. The pink paper has been stamped in brown with snowflakes from a butterfly kisses set and the gorgous pine tree is from the stampin up set lovely as a tree. The sentiment is also a stampin up one which I believe to be now retired - perfect with the SU oval punches. I like the tab punch too to add a little bit more interest and this is also from SU.

So dont take my word for it hop on over to Winter Wonderland and enjoy some pink and pretty cards this week the Dt have some lush cards to share x

Happy Friday x Janet

June Christmas card class

2011-06-15T10:36:00.002+01:00

It was the first of my Christmas card sessions for June last night which is Tim Holtz themed. you all know how much I love these lush stamps which are perfect for simple or complex projects - really versatile.

I have 3 newbies to stamping in the class at the moment so we went for simple. Tim Holtz stamps, SU inks and personal impressions glossy paper. This is a flat card for easy posting but is also a high quality looking card. The glossy finish of the paper makes it look printed so imagine the surprise when the recipient realises its actually hand stamped. I love this santa image which you already know as I have used him many times before.

I know people think the TH stamps are expensive but the quality of stamping and olde worlde imagery means they are timeless - I had 3 new converts last night have a convinced you too???

Have a great day x Janet

We are so blue and white and excited at Winter Wonderland this week!

2011-05-27T09:00:00.008+01:00

This is quite a long post so do settle down for a cuppa whilst you play!

You should have joined me from Sally's Blog if not go to the beginning at Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland will be 2 on 30 May and we are celebrating by having a week long blog hop. We have 11 sponsors this week, yes, that’s right 11!!! But that’s not all because each member of the DT has some candy to give away too. Both teams are playing along this week plus little ole me who joins us at the end of each month so that’s another 11 prizes to be won.

We would like to have as many prize winners as possible so if your name is drawn for more than one prize we will draw again. That means 22 lucky people will win a prize this week. With so many prize winners we won’t be choosing a top 3 just for this week.

All you have to do to join in the fun is:

•· Play along with this week’s easy and fun challenge
•· Be a follower of Winter Wonderland
•· Visit each member of the DT and collect a letter•· Leave them a comment and enter their candy draw•· Rearrange the letters to make a two word Christmas Carol
•· E-mail the answer to Winter Wonderland
Of course you don’t have to join in the blog hop if you don’t want to. You can still enter this week’s challenge and be in with the chance of winning one of the 11 prizes this week but why miss out on doubling your chance of winning.
Of course you don’t have to join in the blog hop if you don’t want to. You can still enter this week’s challenge and be in with the chance of winning one of the 11 prizes this week but why miss out on doubling your chance of winning.

My wonderful Sponsor is the amazing Simon says Stamp who have the most fabulous range of crafting goodies. So someone on the hop will win $15 from Simon says Stamp and someone else will win a mystery Christmas present of a stamp and ribbon from me

To enter my candy you will need to leave me a comment and enter your blog link below. The letter you need to collect from me is N

Here is my blue and white card using the wonderful Hero Arts Magic of Christmas set. Click on the Simon says stamp logo to go straight to the page in the shop you can buy this stamp.

I do love this set which is perfect for all your Christmas cards this year!

I am the last person in the hop so now you need to return to the Winter Wonderland blog to send your email answer - after you have left me a comment of course!

Hope you enjoyed the fun x

Janet

Excitement is brewing!

2011-05-26T09:54:00.002+01:00

Over at Winter Wonderland - we are 2 this year! Thrilled to be part of the celebrations I can tell you. Gorgeous art, loads of prizes and so lots of winners too. Stop by tomorrow when all will be revealed!

This month my Christmas card sessions have revolved around using leftovers. We all like to be thrifty so I tried to show a simple payout which will use up bits, is quick to do but still looks good.

This one is my favourite although the white space shouts at me every time I am determined to keep the less is more feel lol.

The die cuts are all Tim Holtz and all are wonderful to work with.

As you can see some of the papers are very old papermania ones where I have just had the odd sheet left. The beauty of cards 1 and 2 is they will also post with a normal stamp - always a bonus! Next month we are playing with Tim Holtz and monochrome cards - cant wait!

Have a great day and don't forget to stop by tomorrow and find out what the Winter Wonderland fun is all about!

Wintwer Wonderland - snow much fun!

2011-04-29T08:59:00.001+01:00

My Winter Wonderland week again and a perfect excuse to show you some sneaky peeks at what I have been doing Christmas wise this month!
I could wait no longer to break into my new papers - I think I have been very restrained since I bought them in the Jan sales! Last year I saw a fab countdown to Christmas project somewhere in blogland and it got the cogs whirring! I love advent calendars - Mainly I think because they build up the excitement and give you an idea of what you need to plan into your day in preparation for Christmas so I have begun my own version. Still in the flat not put together stage I have done 13 of the days which is like a card topper for each day. So here you can see No 3 is all fun in the snow! Image by penny Black, papers and accessories by K&Co. Cardstock cherry cobbler by SU, vellum sticker sentiments by Brenda Pinnock (about 4 years old now!) and paper lace by Lakeland so how old must that be???
Here you can see no 11 is another Penny Black image this time ice skating which also fits the Winter Wonderland theme really well. I may share more pages as the year progresses or may save the rest for a big advent countdown in December - who knows LOL but it feels great to be crafting with the lush papers instead of stroking them all the time!
Do stop by Winter Wonderland where my team mates have made some gorgeous cards with all sorts of snow fun on them. Have a fab royal Wedding day x
Janet

A Fairy merry Christmas

2011-04-07T17:10:00.002+01:00

Still using up old stash! these are basic grey papers (holly) and the happy Christmas paper I got in a pad yonks ago - I mean at least 5 years - and its hardly been used so distressed it with crushed old olive. Gold Mirri card and a gorgeous carol singing Tilda my gorgeous friend Kerry gave me. The ribbon is lush and begged to be used. I'm entering this into Susies die cut dreams Christmas challenge which is to include a fairy on your card. Playing a bit of catch up with my Christmas crafting but hopefully will be nearly there in a week of two x Have a great day and go dig out your Christmas Fairies x

Last nights Christmas card class

2011-04-06T09:06:00.002+01:00

Last night was the first of my second month of Christmas card classes and we were looking at sitting figures on nesties - here I have used a pink gems image - I think she is still gorgeous even though I have had her a few years. I think the papers may be basic grey but they are so old I would not know the collection - still wading through my old papers and have been good and not started on the new ones yet! Four people came last night and it was fun watching their slant on the idea. Some gorgeous cards were made although mostly not finished so no pics. The classes seem to be going really well - seems I'm not the only one who likes playing with Christmas - My ideas will all translate to other cards too so hopefully it gives a different idea for things done every day as well. Im repeating session 2 on the 26th with a new set of folks so fingers crossed that goes as well as last night x Happy crafting today x Janet

Oh Baubles at Winter Wonderland

2011-03-25T09:00:00.002Z

Time for me to play along with WW again and the theme this week is baubles - I do love my baubles so I loved playing along with this one.

The actual bauble is a die cut by cuttlebug inked with distress ink then overstamped with a Blonde Moments Christmas background holly stamp. A little stickles added for sparkle. Paper is by papermania, sentiment by sandylion, card candy craftwork cards and ribbon from stash. Stop by the Winter Wonderland blog and see what gorgeousness (is that a word?) my teamies have come up with - Go on what are you waiting for get your baubles out xx

Janet

Christmas card class

2011-03-24T14:37:00.003Z

Here is what greeted my lovely ladies last night to get them feeling Christmassy. Chocolate German biscuits, cinnamon candle, jingle seasoning and a Merry Christmas flag for the posh bin!

Thinking this was a little plain I then added a box I had decorated last year and my atcs rom the Running with scissors shop Christmas swap.

here is a closer peep. I also had a display of all the handmade cards I was sent last year - cannot bear to get rid of them so if you sent me one it was up!

This was our card - Inspired by Jills card here. In a tent card version. Have grown to love chipped sapphire ink especially at Christmas and of course Tims fabulous stamps and die cuts all add to the look.
Am beside myself with excitement about tomorrows retreat who knows maybe Lovin' Ink will one day do a Christmas Retreat too - then I won't sleep all year LOL.

Back tomorrow with my winter wonderland DT card - I do miss playing along weekly but I have only so many hours in a day these days I make the most of when I can :0)

Thanks for stopping by my Christmas crafty place x Janet

Show us an Animal

2011-02-25T09:00:00.001Z

My first day joining team Kate over at Winter Wonderland this week although I have been really busy and needed to scale down a little I really miss playing along with those fabulous girls on a weekly basis. Anyway my turn to choose a theme so I chose animals - lets see some animals on your Christmas creations. This was an image I was given at a card class back in October and I am still using up my basic grey papers - will they ever end LOL! I think the image could be Stampendous - if you know differently then please do correct me. I think the sheep look ever so cute in this picture.

Do stop by Winter Wonderland as well as awesome work from my team mates for eye candy we also have a brillliant sponsor - come on dig out those Animal stamps and get creating for Christmas -10 Months today! x

Inspired by Mr Holtz

2011-02-23T14:14:00.001Z

Were you watching him on QVC too? Isnt the man just sooo inspiring I do wish he was allowed to do the show without all the interuptions though. He did inspire me to go to the Seasonal pad I bought recently in the sales and I have played with this. Keeping in mid the Bearly-mine challenge too.

Papers quite obviously then by Mr Holtz, Image Magnolia, ribbon, pearls from stash, sentiment stampin up and the plastic heart from Graphicus last year.
So hope it meets the criteria over at Bearly-mine challenge.

Janet

Try it on Tuesday

2011-02-22T00:29:00.001Z

Unusual for me to link my Christmas blog to Try it on Tuesday but when our team mate chose alter a shoe box it just had to be something to house my Christmas cards so here it is.

Papers are by Dovecraft and the musical reindeer a Tim Holtz die. My dont they look organised now!

As the box sits on a shelf with the front facing thats what I have concentrated on most.

How cool to be so organised! Do stop by Try it on Tuesday - My team mates have all done wonderful projects - non Christmassy of course. We also have a Guest Designer who is only 9 and wait till you see what she has done its Amazing!

The white stuff

2011-02-21T11:18:00.003Z

Crafty HazleNuts wants the white stuff on creations this week and as I am still in recycling mode I played about with this. Papers are by papermania, sentiment by pink gems all other bits from stash and of course the recycled Christmas card image of snowy trees.
Great fun last night and got 4 cards done - 2 christmas and 2 birthdays afer a busy weekend working it was just the chillaxin I needed LOL.
have a great Monday x Janet

and we are off - The Christmas challenges have begun

2011-02-18T08:53:00.002Z

Over at Winter Wonderland there has been a little Christmas hiatus where projects did not have to be Christmassy at all but from this week we begin to prepare in earnest for that lovely time of year when magic happens.

For my card I have gone for a traditional nativity image with a cute twist - those angel children are adorable!

Still using up my basic grey papers some of these are off cuts from previous cards - great to be able to use them up.

Love that nestie label die too - lovely shape.

So are you ready to start Christmas again? A nice easy theme this week - "Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"

Join in with team Marianne over at Winter Wonderland

Doilies at Humbug hall

2011-02-17T13:08:00.003Z

Over at Bah Humbug this weeks challenge was to use doilies on your projects - I have had some for a while but struggled to come up with something I like but I didn't want to be beaten so I had a play.

A touch of recycling too as I have used a picture from one of last years cards cut out with a nestie. I really like how this has turned out and its also flat enough to post! So I am feeling very happy with it!

Right off to prepare for the Stampin Up Party at mine tonight - how long does it take to turn a sows ear into a silk purse then? I've a lot of housework before this house is presentable I can tell you LOL!

For the one you love

2011-02-17T11:57:00.003Z

Over at Winter Wonderland its all slushy and mushy with love being featured in your projects which still don't have to be Christmas as yet!
I think these reindeer look like they have been smitten with the pheromones alright - he's having a real blush!
Of course although I have played along this week I am not eligible for the prize as I am on the DT however its always fun to play along.
have a brilliant day x J x

Feature a creature

2011-02-17T11:46:00.002Z

Over at Crafty Hazlenuts Christmas Challenge she would like to see creatures featured on your Christmas projects. I love this cute stamp and think the snowman and reindeer look such good friends! All papers are by Basic Grey - cant remember the stamp brand for the main image but the sentiment is papermania. I am still dying to begin a new project with some gorgeous papers I bought in the sales but I am making myself use up old papers first - it may be some time before I get to make what i have in mind LOL x

I should save this

2011-02-06T21:58:00.003Z

But I love it so much I think I would rather share even though I can't find a challenge to fit it into! This was very loosly inspired by a handmade card I received from a Keep it Simple team mate Sam. I greatly admire Sams work and her eye for colour and shape so armed with her card in my head and my snowman die I produced this. I dont think

I will be cutting down on postage much coming up with creations like this but I would like to think someone will be thrilled to receive it.

Papers by papermania, Tim Holtz snowman die, ribbon and tag from stash, snow days stamp - See ds and the snow one the butterfly kisses one again. Hope you like x

Loving this colour combo

2011-02-02T11:50:00.003Z

Yes christmas preparations are still in full swing here at the Clarke house and although my family despair of my obsession with it they all feel the benefit when the time comes LOL. I have 4 Christmas presents already bought too so I feel in control!
This Hero arts tree stamp is stunning. I only inked it once last Christmas so it def needs more attention this year. Such a simple card but I love the colour combo. I have added some stickles for a touch of sparkle too.

Love this card! Again the same colour combo but the butterfly kisses word stamp was totally neglected last year - not even inked the poor thing before this. The biscuit coloured ink is gorgeous - its called crumb cake and its by stampin up. The snowman and snowflakes dies and stamps are by Tim Holtz which I got for Christmas - I just love him he's such a stylish snowman! Did you think I meant Tim Holtz? Well I have to say he's pretty stylish too but already taken me thinks!

Here is a closer look at that butterfly kisses verse stamp which was stamped in archival sepia ink.

Well these creations were made last week when I had an hour or two spare! This month is going to be a bit manic as I am working full time with night shifts scattered here and there as well as my craft class commitments. Its also my 25th Wedding Anniversary this month and we have a romantic overnight stay planned - so all in all February may be a lean crafting month!
Thanks for stopping by it means a lot xx

Not one but 2

2011-01-31T12:01:00.005Z

When I saw that Crafty Hazlenuts challenge was for Father Christmas I could not resist. After all he is an important chap in the whole Christmas proceedings! Over at Humbug hall its also an oldie but a goodie week and this def fits into that category too!This stamp was sadly neglected last Christmas so it was the perfect opportunity to give him some time. I love this colour combo too.
so what was the recipe?

Santa stamp - Habico

Snowflakes - Tim Holtz mini holidays

Merry Christmas - magazine freebie

Ink - stampin up

punch - stampin up

glitter - stickles

card stock Kanban

and feeling in the mood I spotted this Kanban fella in my stash so I gave him some lovin too

Recipe for this one

Image - Kanban

Inks ranger archival

Music and believe stamps - Tim holtz

Papers by Bo Bunny

Merry Christmas stamp - Forever friends

Gingham ribbon in stash

and that gorgeous cream eyelet ribbon is an absolute bargain and can be found here at 10p a metre - yes you read right 10p!

So I am off to add this is Crafty Hazlenuts challenge - Thanks for the inspiration hazel x

Winter wonderland

2011-01-28T09:00:00.001Z

This month has been far too long! I am beginning to think I made a mistake saying i would do a monthly spot at the end of the month LOL as I have been chomping at the bit to play with my WW teamies!
And Wow what a team! We have some new DT members and its been fabulous getting to know them and all their gorgeous work if you havent stopped by WW please do and take a look - awesome!
The challenge this week is my sentiments exactly! Make the sentiment the focus of your card. I love these digi sentiments from our fab sponsor this week - great to have something you can size up or down as the fancy takes you - as you can see I sized up then added this little Angel ontop of a snow flake. I dont know her stamp make as I was given this by a pal but I think she is lovely. The colour scheme was dictated by my printer playing up and printing everything navy blue LOL but it works well with this ancient papermania paper and a little chipped sapphire distress ink. Just got to hide this from Mum now - a bit difficult when we share a craft room.
So we will be in 2 teams from next week and a whole month before I'm on the DT again - can I stay away that long? if I have a minute you know I will be playing LOL. Hop on over to Winter Wonderland where not only are there new DT members but new logos, headers, buttons - the lot - its a maga talented team over there thats for sure x Janet

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-19T10:11:00.003Z

Over on Winter Wonderland this week the theme is to use some Paws on your card. A perfect excuse to ink up this cute previously unused stamp! Papers are basic grey - I am on a mission to use up all my leftovers before starting on the gorgeous papers I bought in the sales.
So although I am playing along I cannot win the prize being a Dt member even though it is now once a month but I thought it would be fun seeing as I was making cards yesterday anyway. Do stop by the WW challenge my teamies are awesome!

Bah Humbug - Challenge 1 of 2011!

2011-01-10T11:40:00.002Z

The first challenge at Bah humbug for this year is to use holly or Fairies on your card. Fabulous when I picked up these gorgeous holly papers by craft creations in the sale! So I decided to stick with the holly theme. I have used a cute forever friends bear who also happens to have holly in his hat. I've also used a holly motif stamped then coloured and cut out. The berries are tiny gems which I have coloured using promarkers. Some pricking , faux stitching and some gold ribbon and its complete.
I wonder why I love the preparations for Christmas so much? My head is full of ideas for Christmas 2011 already. I even bought some pressies in the sales! I know most folks are ready to move on from Christmas now but I feel at my most excited about it - maybe I'm just odd LOL - answers in the comments box please :0)

and so it all begins again...............

2011-01-03T09:39:00.003Z

I started this blog 12 months ago as a place to record my preparations for Christmas 2010. I have to say i was really pleased with the organised feel i had to Christmas which meant that December could be focused on other things than making cards and gifts - having the luxury of time to make some decorations was in itself a real pleasure. So now I begin all over again this time for Christmas 2011!

This card was made using the waste from cutting out a reindeer from my new Tim Holtz dies. I spent yesterday afternoon die cutting away so I have lots on hand when I want it. This seemed to work quite well although I still prefer the stamped version.

Sentiments are by butterfly kisses. inks used are cherry cobbler SU and black momento.

This was one of my fav buys of last year and he didn't see enough ink so out it came. Again from the same set of butterfly kisses stamps and simple matting and layering complete this card. I really must try to make flatter cards this year as the postage was horrendous for all my bulky creations so these three work well with that in mind.

So I am entering this in Crafty Hazelnuts first Christmas challenge which you can find here

A great way to get ahead for 2011!

Winter Wonderland - Thank you

2010-12-24T09:50:00.003Z

Huge thanks to all our Winter Wonderland players for a wonderful year of getting ahead with Christmas - we have had lots of fun and hope you have felt prepared for the festive season. Do have a wonderful christmas filled with Joy, laughter, fun and love.

The Girls at Winter Wonderland have also made thank you cards so do stop by for a visit x

Happy Christmas!

Winter wonderland - wrap it up!

2010-12-17T10:19:00.002Z

This weeks challenge is to make some wrapping, boxes, papers, bags, anything to wrap something up. Here I have made a little box to house a few chocolate mints. Papers are by sandylion and Bo bunny.

I have decorated the mints to match as a little stocking filler gift. The sentiment rounds are a digital set i bought ages ago i'm not even sure where.

Hope you are all set for Christmas? I think I am just about there. Just waiting for one more gift to arrive then I will be sorted. really looking forward to this weekend - i have my niece and nephew coming to stay - they are 5 and 7 so will be full of excitement! We have lots of things planned - baking, crafting, making gifts, watching a Christmas film and generally being happy to be together - a wonderful spell of magic!

Hop on over to winter wonderland where my team mates have worked their own magic over their creations this week - simply stunning :0)

Janet

Winter Wonderland - Get out your baubles!

2010-12-10T09:01:00.001Z

Over on Winter Wonderland this week I have chosen the theme which is Baubles. I would love to see them on cards, tags, decorations anything you would like to make.

I have made a card using some fab hero arts clear stamps on sale here.

I used distress inks for the background, the tree stamp is by penny black and I have coloured the baubles with promarkers. A touch of ribbon and matting and layering and the card is done. This one is for an old school friend - she has already emailed me to say it has arrived!

My team mates have done me proud as always with some gorgeous creations so do stop by for a look

Janet

Well that fell flat LOL

2010-12-07T13:10:00.002Z

Can't even muster more than 3 entries for my giveaway for the Christmas traditions! I had been going to do a blog candy giveaway too for hitting 5000 visits but that would possibly be just too soul destroying!
Anyway the random generator has picked no 1 out of the 3 entries (one was in the comments) so Lisa Sparkle you win the prize. Just email me here and I will post it out to you x Janet

Tuesday Taggers - Deck the Halls

2010-12-07T11:30:00.003Z

Another Deck the halls theme this time at Tuesday Taggers. Sponsored by a new shop Lovin' Ink pop by Tuesday Taggers and find out more.

This time I have made a tag using some paperartsy stamps - love the quirky font-Simply embossed then cut out and added to the tag - another one for a pressie!

Brrrrrr its chilly today! Have been to see my Nephew and Niece in their school nativity play - its was lovely! Children make it so new each time and I always cry at how lovely they all are!

Take care x

Janet

Joy - to the world! and a giveaway

2010-12-06T09:17:00.001Z

Staying at the top until 6th December - Check out the giveaway

Its here - The first day of advent so may I be the first of many to with you much Joy, love and laughter this Christmas time x
Over on Keep it Simple we are also celebrating joy so here is my DT card.
Papers left over from the project below LOL. I drew around some chipboard letters, inked the edges, added a knot to the O and some sparkle too and thats that def clean and simple.

Hope this first day of advent means you are feeling excited about the coming season. I adore traditions do you have any you would like to share? Spread the word on your blog that I would like to hear about individual traditions leave a link to this blog - write about your traditions and leave me a link here. I have a Christmas Stamp set for a randomly chosen person x You have till midnight on December 5th x

Tag Youre it and K.I.S

2010-12-05T10:05:00.003Z

The theme over on Keep it Simple this week is to Deck the Halls! Perfect for this stamp I got in the sale at Graphicus early this year. Ive used promarkers and distress inks to get the colour and a bit of ribbon to finish the look. Very clean and simple - although my hands were not afterwards LOL. These 2 atcs are part of a collection I have done to send to Stamp Man atc swap participants - we have regular folks taking part so I just wanted to say thanks for playing along.

Another month of tag swaps over on Tag you're it too with me as the host I just had to chose Jolly St Nick as the theme. St Nicholas day tomorrow so in some coutries children will be leaving out their shoes to be filled, if they have been good, with small gifts and sweets. We did that one year with our kids and they thought it was quite a novelty.

Anyway I have inked up a previously un used stamp by Blonde Moments - a little layering, a dash of glitter and colour and its done. Hop on over to Tag You're it to find out more about our monthly tag swap
Hope you are keeping warm x

Christmas - Take 3 colours

2010-12-03T12:00:00.001Z

The weeks sure roll by fast and its time for another Stamp Man challenge. This week we have to only use 3 colours creating a Christmas project. I have used distress inks and Tim Holtz stamps for this little atc - another one for the Stamp Man atc swap for December.

My team mates have come up with the most gorgeous projects so do stop by for oodles of inspiration and find out more at

The Stamp Man Challenge.

pppppick up a penguin or polar bear - Winter Wonderland challenge

2010-12-03T09:00:00.001Z

I may have mentioned that I went away for the weekend last weekend. Well this was a little fun project Bee had us doing thats perfect for this weeks winter wonderland challenge. Bee is a stampin up demonstrater and has been playing with punch art for her classes in the local town.
The chocolate is covered with SU Christmas paper then the penguin punched with the various SU punches. - so simple yet such a fun thing to hang on the tree. She has also done trees, santa, snowlady, rudolph, angel and a choir boy as well as a robin on a branch. I loved the workshop Bee so thanks for sharing x
Over at Winter Wonderland my team mates and guest designer have made some gorgeous projects and with a fab sponsor too hop over and see what you might win if you play along .
Keep warm folks x Janet

Tuesday Taggers - Jolly Old St Nick!

2010-11-30T00:48:00.003Z

Scroll down for the giveaway post

Lots of news over on Tuesday Taggers today so do stop by and find out whats what!

I have been away for the weekend on the most relaxing retreat EVER! We have been thoroughly spoiled with an early Christmas including dinner, presents, music, games, mulled wine and decorations galore!

So that's where I made my DT projects for this week. The little key ring you can see in the top pic is a cross stitch kit which I found in my stash - I ditched the cross stitch and have gone for a stamped look with crafty individual stamps. This card could not be more simple - Santa by Graphic 45 card stampin up cherry cobbler and the gorgeous sentiment script is by papermania (Thanks Georgyxx)
And this little box/ pouch houses 3 bars of dairy milk and is a little stocking filler for my daughter. Again cherry cobbler card stock and Graphic 45 papers.
I have some fab pics of the retreat which I will post later in the week but for now please do visit my team mates work over on Tuesday Taggers - varied as always and not without surprises! LOL
Keep warm in all this wintry weather friends x

Shaping up

2010-11-26T09:04:00.001Z

This week at Winter Wonderland we would like to see card shapes - anything but square and rectangle. This is perfect for these lovely round woodware blank cards. I have gone for a flat simple look just because I need some cards that will post easily! The papers are papermania, the sentiment dovecraft and the image is of course House Mouse. Last week I read my first Christmas story to my Niece after we had made reindeer food. The book was called why the reindeer were chosen. When My own children were small I bought a book each year depending on their age so now I have quite a collection of Christmas stories especially based on the nativity. Anyway back to the tale - it was lovely seeing her little face light up at each magical detail she learned - Children are wonderful for that. By the end I was quite emotional, soppy beggar I know but the magic still hits me too!
Hope this Christmas is beginning to feel magical to you. This Sunday is the first day of advent so the countdown is really here. Countless children (and some adults I know) will be opening their first door on the advent calendar next Wednesday - the season is really here - Fabulous if you have played along with us this year as you will feel ready for the Christmas card sending and if you havent make a few this week we would love to see them x
Stop by Winter Wonderland where my team mates have got their magical cards waiting to show you x We have a fab sponsor too!
With Love x Janet

KIS - Evergreen

2010-11-21T10:26:00.002Z

Over on Keep it Simple this week the theme is Ever Green. I have used a blonde moments stamp from the trim a tree set stamped around the edge of some personal impressions glossy stamping card - this card has a gorgeous sheen to it and gives the stamping an extra wow factor. The sentiment is by butterfly kisses and wow thats it! A little matting and layering and its done. I may have to make more of these as OH thought it was a classy card - obviously I produce tat the rest of the time lol!
Have a great Sunday x Janet

A Decoration!

2010-11-19T09:27:00.001Z

One thing positive about doing your Christmas cards early means you get to play with doing other Christmas projects because you are not in a rush!
This is a wooden box I decorated at the last craft retreat in September. I have stamped in black archival and used distress inks for all the colour. Stamps I borrowed off Bee and Linda as I had not taken Christmas stamps with me. The Tim Holtz ones I have anyway but it gave me an opportunity to play with the dark room door ones too so thanks gals!

Whoops forgot this gorgeous house is in fact elusive images - again thanks to Bee x

This poor picture is one of 12 matchboxes I made for a 12 days of Christmas swap. I chose 2 turtle doves and have used the craft stamper freebie stamp on shrink plastic as the charms. Sheet music and lush ribbon and lace, then wax seal complete the look
The swaps should be coming back any day now - how exciting one of the ladies is from Russia!

And now onto Winter Wonderland where I am the host this week. The girls will be cursing me this morning as I lost all the pics last night when editing the post - me thinks Clarky J is not popular today!

So the theme is a decoration. This wooden tray held some rather garish embelishments once upon a day - I bought it at the local craft shop - Embsay Mills - just for the tray. I painted it gold, used basic grey papers, crafty individual stamps, promarkers to colour and a little flower soft here and there. Mr Holtz ticket in the middle and this crafty individuals sentiment to hang underneath and this is now a gift for someone rather special!

So thats the task at Winter Wonderland. Make a decoration and enter in the inlinkz - you could be the randomly drawn winner of 3 digi stamps from Delicious Doodles.

Hopefully my team mates have forgiven my huge Gaff and replaced their projects in the post - I do hope so as they were absolutely gorgeous - stop by for a look here

Happy Friday x Janet

Winter Wonderland - winter sports!

2010-11-12T09:00:00.001Z

Over at Winter Wonderland we have come over all sporty and wondered what Winter Sports we could find for our cards. I came across this cute Penny Black image of Hedgehogs sledging - completely unsure if sledging is a sport I have re christened it tobogganing hedgehogs LOL.
The image is coloured with promarkers and the paper is an old piece which I think maybe papermania. Matting and layering onto the shaped craft work cards card blank the ribbon and faux stitching/ dots just completes the look.

As always I am blown away by the talents of my teamies so hop on over to Winter Wonderland and take a look at their gorgeous creations. There is also a wonderful prize from our sposor this week so check out what you could win too!

Tuesday Taggers - purple, silver and gold + stamping

2010-11-09T08:57:00.002Z

I have to admit this is not my usual choice of colour combo however the Tuesday Taggers team are very talented so when Ildiko chose this colour scheme we have all gone with the flow and wow wasn't she right? Sometimes coming out of your comfort zone is whats needed to change the way you think about colour. I have embossed an image from Butterfly Kisses in silver - added some gold gel pen in places then matted and layered. The background is a branch stamp by Tim Holtz that I have embossed first in gold then in silver.

The gold matt piece was not big enough to matt the whole background so I have just added a strip which I quite like. There my card complete. Although I'm stuck in Christmas mode my team mates have been more adventurous so do stop by for some gorgeous inspiration at Tuesday Taggers.

Have a great day x Janet

Keep it simple

2010-11-07T08:05:00.003Z

The theme at Keep it simple this week is to use shape so I have gone for a round card from woodware. The reindeer is a beautiful graphicus stamp which I have embossed onto some red paper. The fir cone stamp is by paperartsy and the greeting by inkadinkadoo. A huge bow with ribbon from my stash and thats it.

Our sponsor this week is our teamie Clare who has some stunning paper flowers for the lucky winner - check them out here

I think my little Christmas blog will be receiving much more attention over the coming month as most of my DT work will be Christmas themed so hope you like what you see x Janet

The Stamp man Challenge Christmas - anything goes!

2010-11-05T12:00:00.001Z

Well for a start you will notice I am not the photographer LOL!
This has been taken by my good friend Michelle or rather Midnight Crafter.
This project is for a make and take session for a group of ladies coming to The Stamp Man for a visit (the gatefold card) on the 8th and part of the Christmas gifts class on Wednesday 10th. It uses a set from the sale section which is perfect for Christmas - Aspects of design 32 flitter flutter snowflakes.

The use of the white detail embossing powder gives the inky background a gorgeous Christmassy look. There is some gorgeous inspiration over at The Stamp Man challenge blog so do stop by and check it out.

Winter Wonderland - Sing us a Christmas Carol

2010-11-04T12:21:00.003Z

Our lovely teamie Marianne has chosen this weeks theme which is Christmas Carols. I just had to ink up this crafters companion bear set (bought in the sale and sadly neglected till now!). I have used promarkers to colour and added some Blonde moments trees at the back from papers long since retired from the BM collection - I think I have been waiting for them to become collectors items! The musical notes and Fa la la stamps are also from the CC set.

Our sponsor this week is the fabulous Pink Gems - Love love love Janets fabulous shop and her blog is awash with inspiration and talent so do pay a visit and take a peep.
I'm at work again today so am hoping this schedules ok. This weekend however I am off work. On Saturday my craft club folks are gathering for a Christmas fest - we are making a Christmas planner album made from envelopes and cereal packets whilst listening to Christmas tunes and stuffing ourselves with mince pies! The ladies who form my craft group are fabulous - we always have such a laugh together and I am always at awe when the room is full of such talented folks - we all have so much to share and teach each other its truely a pleasure to be amongst them.
Hope your weekend is packed with fun and laughter too x Janet

Winter Wonderland - a Mousey Christmas

2010-10-29T09:00:00.002+01:00

What do you suppose it is about mice and Christmas? Is it just influence from Clement St Moores poem Twas the night before Christmas or is there some other reason we love them at this time of year? Over at Winter Wonderland our teamie Lynsey has chosen this theme and the Dt have got some really cute cards which prove we love Christmas Mice! These 2 are among my current favs and I have made quite a few cards with them. Coloured with promarkers the papers are papermania and sentiment by Graphicus. The ribbon and flower are from my stash.

This week we are sponsored by our lovely friends at Whimsy who are giving the lucky winner $15 to spend in store - thats a real treat!

Check out the Winter Wonderland blog for more mousey cuteness!
Have a Fab weekend xx

Janet

The Sunday Post

2010-10-24T10:41:00.002+01:00

Is over here for a change! Usually my Sunday offerings appear on the main blog but as I am all Christmassy I thought I would add it here for a change!

Over at Tag You're it the theme is to make a tag with scallops. Well here are 3 I have made for a project I am hosting at my craft group Christmas day on 6th November. We are making a Christmas planner using envelopes - I am all for making something amazing out of nothing LOL. I will share the finished project nearer the time.

Over at Keep it Simple out theme is to take a bow. Another excuse to use some big ribbon and my gorgeous graphicus bauble. This was so simple to make I just embossed the bauble in gold on some red card, cut it out, added torn paper down the side of the green card, matted onto a card blank then added the bow - seriously simples!

I am also sponsoring this weeks challenge with some Christmas goodies. The winner will receive:-

Messy Rabbit - Noel stamp plate

Sarah Kay - Santa and sack polymer stamp

Gold vellums pack

selection of die cuts in a tin to include stockings, poinsettas and trees (craftwork cards) and some snowflakes in different shapes to add to finished projects.

Hope they like it!

Do stop by Keep it Simple where my team mates have not followed my Christmassy theme at all but have the most stunning bow projects to share!

cooking up a recipe

2010-10-22T09:02:00.002+01:00

Over at Winter Wonderland our team mate Kate decided we should have a recipe for this weeks challenge - so using 2 papers, 1 ribbon, 1 charm and a snowflake here is my offering.

Papers are by Bo Bunny - I think they are called Noel. The card blank is by craft work cards and is a lovely shape. The image is of course by the lovely Mo Manning but is a polymer stamp and the Magical Christmas is a forever friends stamp. A dust of peeled paint ink, a few dots and we are done.

I made this card at the local craft shop last Tuesday where we have a playday once a month. This week was extra special as we had 5 new people and a visitor! We had lots of chatter and many laughs - crafters are usually such lovely folks.

Wednesday saw my pal Emma doing a Stampin up workshop at my house. The first one I have hosted at home - we had lots of fun including singing some childhood songs - poor Em I bet she doesnt have many groups as mad as ours LOL

Anyhow do stop by Winter Wonderland to see what the team has cooked up - I promise they are all delish!

I am also entering this in the elegance challenge over on Bah Humbug this week

Have a great Friday x

Winter Wonderland - Give it a vintage look!

2010-10-15T09:00:00.001+01:00

My turn to choose the challenge again over at Winter Wonderland so I went for a look I love to see :0) I have seen this stamp many times and have resisted for so long because I actually have 4 other versions in different sizes from different companies - however in a moment of weakness I succoumbed and I am not sorry at all - I love it!

I have stamped the image in coffee archival ink and used some old music papers and some Christmas paper by Penny black behind the image - coloured the lace with brushed corderoy distress ink and added some gold organza lace.

We are sponsored this week by the lovely Teri her shop is full to the brim with the most gorgeous images so one random winner will be very lucky indeed!

So do stop by the Winter Wonderland blog for more inspiration my team mates have made the most gorgeous vintage creations x

Bah Humbug goes cute!

2010-10-11T16:15:00.003+01:00

Over on Bah Humbug this week they want to see some cute - perfect for this creation I began at a class with the lovely Katy
Katy has helped me get much better with my promarker colouring - the class was soooo useful and whats more I think she is repeating it in November so do check with her if you can get to Skipton to do it!
So back to the crad - cant remember who makes the papers or stamped image though it is sooo cute! The snowflakes were die cuts from a spellbinders die and I just added those jewelled snowflakes on top. The sentiment is by Butterfly kisses and card blank by craft work cards - just love that shape :0) I went for colours that were out of my comfort zone (see last post too) being a red and green gal for Christmas pinks and blues are very different for me.
Do stop by Bah Humbug as the DT have some gorgeous designs to inspire you too x
Thanks for looking x Janet

Winter Wonderland

2010-10-08T16:02:00.003+01:00

This weeks theme has been chosen by my fab Teamie Danielle and is "Jesus is the reason for the season"

Now this may be somewhat controversial for some folks but it is true the whole celebration is around the birth of a baby 2,000 years ago who has changed the lives of many people and continues to do so today. When I was growing up going to church was a big part of the Christmas celebrations and I still get a thrill going to the midnight service and hearing extracts from the Nativity story. I have been known to well up with tears (mum says my bladder is too close to my eyes) whilst reading the Nativity to my own children in the past and now my nephew, Matthew and niece, Rebecca. In fact Rebecca loves the Dick Bruna book I have so much I tried to buy her a copy - do you know its out of print? and when I looked the only copy on ebay already had bids of over £40! Still I digress from the challenge so better get back to my post Lol
Last Sunday I did a wonderful promarkers course at my local shop and this was one of the cards I made. Image I think is Stampendous - papers I'm really not sure so maybe someone will enlighten me. I MADE myself move away from red and green for this one just to do something that bit different and I do like it. Katy was so helpful with hints and tips on using promarkers I really feel my colouring has improved quite a bit.
Now the WW challenge is sponsored by Robyn's fetish stamps who have lots of varied digital images on offer so go on join in - You could be the winner!
Do stop by Winter Wonderland where the team have made some stunning cards with Nativity scenes. I look forward to seeing your entries on my visiting travels x Janet

A card for a chap!

2010-10-01T09:27:00.004+01:00

Over at Winter Wonderland this week the lovely Lynsey has challenged us to make a Christmas card for a male - well most of the chaps I know are very Bah Humbug over Christmas so I have gone for a clean and simple look. I cannot take all credit for this card as one of the ladies - Judith - who comes to my club sessions made one similar for her cards last year - Judith definately hides her light under a bushal as she has been winning trophys at country shows all year with her wonderous creations - so I have scraplifted her idea!
The stamp is by paperartsy and I have paper pieced it using some bits from the left over box - by basic grey. The sentiment is by papermania and the faux stitching detail was my daughters suggestion so hey this card was practically made by everyone else I just added the glue LOL. Digi doodle shop are our sponsors this week offering a $10 prize to the randomly picked winner - Brilliant stuff!
Check out my team mates over at Winter Wonderland - these chaps are in for such a treat this Christmas we will drive the Bah Humbugs away :0)
Have a great Friday x Janet

Cards for charity

2010-09-28T10:35:00.004+01:00

I have been away on a craft retreat. The place we use is called The Beamsley Project and is actually a regisitered charity. This visit we noticed the have started a cards for sale box so we added a card each to fill the box - I went a little mad and made 4! Craft card is by stampin up, images I think are crafty individuals, stamps by Tim Holtz and Graphicus, ribbon and paper from stash.

I'm getting more practice at keeping it simple which is brilliant - a look I have always struggled to achieve.

Thanks for looking x Janet

My Christmas blog for a change with KIS

2010-09-26T08:01:00.002+01:00

Over at keep it simple you normally come to my other blog but seeing as I am all Christmassy again I thought I would give you a change of scene!
As the theme is Gold Dust I could not resist my old favourite of embossing on my card. The tree stamp is from the unmounted stamp company which I bought at the Great Northern Papercraft show a couple of weeks ago. The sentiment is from Butterfly Kisses and ribbon from Anitas. The simplicity of this card has made it one of my favourites this year. Do stop by the Keep it Simple blog and check out my team mates - I am away till later today so hope this schedules ok but know my teamies will have produced some stunning stuff! I am also entering this into My Partners in crafting crime which is a clean and simple card

Deck the halls!

2010-09-24T08:00:00.001+01:00

My turn to choose the theme over at Winter Wonderland this week so I have gone all traditional and chosen Deck the Halls with boughs of holly as my inspiration. I want to see lots of red, green and holly on your projects.
We have a sponsor this week

who is offering $15 to the randomly chosen winner!

Here is my card - I bought the stamp from Graphicus earlier in the year and think its perfect for a traditional card. Ive used archival ink to stamp and distress ink to colour then added some red stickles to the holly. The puched out holly is from a PM punch and ribbon and card from stash.

Do stop by Winter Wonderland where not only have my team mates made some stunning cards we have a fab Guest designer in the spotlight too - so what are you waiting for leave me a comment and rush over there for oodles of inspiration!

Monochrome - Winter Wonderland

2010-09-17T08:00:00.004+01:00

What a fabulous challenge this week - chosen by my fab teamie Kate - Monochrome is a great classy look all year round. Can you tell I am in love with my brilliant Tim Holtz stamps? Most of these were Christmas presents last year so its great to be putting them to good use.

I've gone for Red and white for a Scandinavian feel - Red is so lush for Christmas don't you think? and how handsome is this Santa too?

All the stamps are Tim Holtz apart for the ones stamped in black which are from Butterfly Kisses. I have used crimson red archival ink onto this glossy card stock which was a mistake buy - I hadn't realised it was glossy and thought it would not work for stamping - how wrong I was - this looks like it has been printed onto photo paper in real life!

The card is a whopping 8 1/2 inch gatefold card which I got from the Kanban outlet shop thinking it was 8 inch square and I now have no envelope for it! This collage style of stamping is what I am demonstrating at The Stamping club November session at The Stamp man so everyone attending that day will get the chance to make a card in this style but with blue not red. So this was a great sample to make for the session to show a different colour way. You can find out more on my other blog here just check out the tabs at the top for fun sessions at The Stamp Man.

Now Winter Wonderland is sponsored this week by the lovely Teri from Delicious doodles and quite honestly I can't think of a better name for the shop so do check it out. My team mates have all chosen a different colour for their Monochrome cards too so have a peep here

Lots to do are also having a Monochrome week so Im entering this there too x
Have a great Friday Winter Wonderlanders xx

Winter wonderland a one layer card

2010-09-10T09:00:00.003+01:00

This week we have been challenged to make a one layer card - some of my teamies founf this had however its just what I like to do! I have used distress inks to create this collage look with Tim Holtz stamps.
This week we have a fab prize from the Stamp Barn so do hop on over to the winter wonderland blog and take a look!
I am also entering this into the ABC Christmas challenge which is S for Santa who also must not be red!

A recipe at Winter Wonderland

2010-09-03T12:53:00.004+01:00

Marianne chose our theme this week and decided to get us crafty cooking with a recipe - so here it is - 4 papers, 3 snowflakes and a snowman.

We are also playing with our sponsors images this week who is

Ive gone for the melted snowman and added my own wording!

Poor chocolatey snowman :0(

Coloured with promarkers the papers are by dovecraft.

So fancy crafty cooking this week? then get yourself over to Winter Wonderland and check the challenge out I have such talented team mates xx

Janet

Winter Wonderland - All I want for Christmas.....

2010-08-27T09:38:00.003+01:00

I just had to use this image for this weeks challenge - a list a mile long of what he would like - reminds me of little people in my life! So image is from Sugar Nellie, Paper from Kanban and of course the delicious craftwork cards card candy. The sentiment I stamped out from a letters set by hero arts - really handy when you have not got just what you want to say :0)

This weeks challenge is sponsored by our good friends at Whimsy

So the winner of this weeks challenge is in for a treat! Do stop by Winter Wonderland and see what my teamies have done - maybe hubbies should be taking note for buying the right gifts?? LOL

Walking in a winter wonderland!

2010-08-20T10:42:00.005+01:00

Yes I know this card does not relate at all to the challenge over at Winter wonderland this week! If you read my other blog you will know I got my DT challenges in a muddle last weekend and managed to do no stamping for WW instead of Tag You're it! So I thought I would show you them both this week. The above is No stamping - basic grey papers and I dont know where the image came from except my lovely pal Georgina gave it to me.

This is my "Walking in a winter wonderland" card - image by Pink gems coloured with promarkers - Ive used a snowflake vellum as the background that has been in my stash for ever so I've no idea who makes it - the flower, snowflake and sentiment is from my stash too.

This week at Winter Wonderland we are sponsored by our lovely friends at

Who have a $15 prize to give the lucky winner to spend in store!
Do hop on over to Winter Wonderland and see my teamies gorgeous creations.
As we all like challenge combos I have also added mine to The Bah Humbug challenge which is - Winter wonderland!
ABC challenge which is B is for Blue
Fab and funky challenge which is Flowers
Have fun with this weeks theme and I look forward to seeing your gorgeous creations x Janet

Winter Wonderland Tag it!

2010-08-13T09:00:00.002+01:00

Now any of you who follow my other blog here will know how much I love tags - I am also a huge fan of a certain Mr Holtz and love his 12 tags of christmas series I just never have the time to actually do them! So this weeks challenge gave me the opportunity to have a play.I have used stamps from a Christmas mini set I was bought for Christmas last year. I began by stamping santa in archival black then adding peeled paint and fired brick distress inks using a brush. I have then over stamped the fir tree bough with peeled paint and added green patina perfect pearls to the stamping. Merry Christmas stamped again in black archival and stickels to the holly berries in his hat and thats it complete. I really should play like this more often as Its very satisfying!
We are sponsored by my talented team mate from Tuesday Taggers - Teri whose digi shop delicious doodles is filled to the brim with fab digi stamps and one of you could win some to play with!
Now my team mates have also produced some ammmaaazzzing tags so hop on over to Winter Wonderland to see there creations.
Have a great Friday x Janet

Hello Winter Wonderlanders!

2010-08-06T11:11:00.002+01:00

My turn to choose the theme for Winter Wonderland this week so I have chosen a card which I like making at the moment - an Easel card. The twist is you must have sparkle and shine on your card!
I have used some papers by Papermania for my card which I bought as I thought it went perfectly with my Graghicus Reindeer stamp! The Reindeer and sentiment have been heat embossed using red sparkle embossing powder - the sentiment is from a forever friends set (thanks Emma) and seemed perfect for this challenge! Ive also used some blue mirri card from Kanban and clear genstones for added sparkle and shine. The gorgeous stripy ribbon is from the Stampman.
Over at Winter Wonderland my team mates have been using digi stamps from our sponsor this week so do hop on over and take a look x

Winter Wonderland - no designer papers

2010-07-30T10:11:00.005+01:00

This week we are sponsored by Sassy Studios who sent us a couple of images to work with - This one is called "baby its cold outside". So going with that theme I made a background using Tim Holtz snowflakes stamp and denim adirondack ink. The calendar page is also Tim Holtz and the sentiment by see-d's. I have also added some die cut snowflakes and coloured the image with promarkers. I have also used an A5 card which I don't usually do - I have been trying to do different card shapes lately as an extra challenge to myself too!

Sassy Designs are giving the lucky winner of this challenge 4 digi images to play with and you never know this week it could be you!

Hope on over to Winter Wonderland to see what my team mates have done. I hope it inspires you to make a move and get started on your Christmas cards if you have not done so already! You could combine your work with Tuesday Taggers who are also having a Christmas in July week and I am donating the prize!

Have fun!

A sketch - Winter Wonderland

2010-07-23T09:00:00.001+01:00

Our lovely Kate has given us a sketch to follow this week so hop on over here to find it. I used papers from my bits box this week - red handmade paper and the other are K&Co teamed with a cute Forever friends bear. The brad is by dovecraft and was given to me by my pal Georgina (thanks chuck).

Our sponsor this week is Simon says stamp which is always a brilliant store to visit so one lucky random winner will receive a $15 gift certificate to buy some goodies.

Do stop by Winter Wonderland where my team mates have made some gorgeous creations to inspire your creativity.
Hope this schedules ok as I am currently at work after doing a sleep over and wont be back till after 3pm!
Have a great Friday x
Janet

WW - Angels and glitter

2010-07-16T09:00:00.001+01:00

Christmas Angels are lacking in my stash I have decided! This gorgeous creature I bought from ebay years ago and I have used her so many times the cling on no longer clings! She is simply stamped in versafine sepia then glitter added around her. I'm not sure what the papers are as they have been in my stash for soooooo long but they seemed to work well with the simple look I have gone for.

Its a gatefold card so the sentiment is on the inside as I wanted a simple look. My team mates over at Winter Wonderland have done some stunning cards this week check them out here

Our sponsor this week is

Brilliant! So get rummaging through your stash for those angels and lots of glitter after all whats Christmas without sparkle!

Winter Wonderland

2010-07-09T08:53:00.001+01:00

Nope I haven't forgotten to decorate it! Just wanted to show you the card stock underneath the mini card!

Have hurt my back so cant stay long typing so just a brief rundown. The Theme is "Twas the night before Christmas" - stamp by Clarity (thanks GG x) simply mounted onto red then the patterned cardstock by Kanban, border, button and bow from stash.

All the details of the challenge can be found here

Where my fellow DT have made some gorgeous cards to this weeks theme!

Winter Wonderland Punch it out

2010-07-02T11:19:00.002+01:00

This week we have been challenged to use punches and diecuts on our cards so I have used the craft work cards stocking as the main focus which has been stamped with snowflakes and a tiny bell added. I have also added some polar white flowersoft to the stocking top. This has been mounted on a nestie die cut and the sentiment is a kanban diecut. Background card is by Kanban and the velvet brads by doodlebug. Very little stamping which I'm not used to these days but I quite like it!
My collection on Christmas cards is growing - is yours? We are half way through the year and now on the countdown LOL.
Great incentive to join in the challenge this week as we have this stunning prize on offer-

Fabulous huh???
Do hop on over and check out my team mates who produce the most gorgeous creations every week

Good old Father Christmas

2010-07-01T11:35:00.003+01:00

Over at Bah Humbug this week we have been challenged to make something with the great fella himself Father Christmas on. So here is my offering. Ive used Tim Holtz mini holidays stamp set for this card which is a mini its self being only 3 and 1/4 inch square. Inks used barn door, bundled sage and antique linen with some definition from promarkers for his face and holly. Simply matted onto glod then a black card blank. The script stamp in the background is by 7 Gypsies and comes from a clear set called Notting hill.

Hope you like him its one of my favourite Santas and I love the word believe because we all should to keep the magic alive!

Yum Yum strawberries and cream at Winter Wonderland!

2010-06-25T10:24:00.006+01:00

How cool is this theme? True strawberries are hard to find at Christmas but hey the colours are just perfect for a fab Christmas card! Ive used some spotty free papers from one of the card magazines from last year teamed with the cute Miss clause manga girl from sugar nellie. Flowers and ribbon from stash and there it is!

Our sponsor this week is the fabulous

Who are giving away a brilliant $15 prize for this weeks randomly chosen winner!

The entries were stunning last week its a pleasure to see so many varied cards - so will you be doing Christmas, whilst watching Wimbledon and eating strawberries and cream??
Check out The Winter Wonderland site my team mates as always have worked magic with this challenge!

I am also entering this into the Cupcake craft challenge which has the same theme.

Winter Wonderland - A festive tree

2010-06-18T03:53:00.001+01:00

Over at Winter Wonderland we would love to see your festive trees this week. Now I have lots of tree stamps so which one to use?

Whilst at Graphicus last weekend I saw this cool car stamp for a mere £2 and immediately thought of this idea from Tim Holtz 12 tags of Christmas - the tree tied to the top of the car!

Unsure of the rest of the card I rummaged in my Christmas papers and found this one by k&Co so I trimmed around the houses to make a little scene. Polar white flower soft gives the look of snow and there it is. The gorgeous stampin up tree on its way to be trimmed up!

Our fabulous sponsor this week is

who is offering a brilliant prize of 3 images click on the logo to visit Teris fab shop!

Do take a peek at the Winter Wonderland blog and see the gorgeous festive trees from my team mates and of course we would love to visit your festive trees too!

Christmas atcs

2010-06-17T14:32:00.003+01:00

I have been a very good girl and been using up my scraps from my Christmas projects of the last few days. The above are using my Tim Holtz Christmas mini set - I love them!

and these cuties are of course penny black and sugar nellie

There were much more too but I have just picked out my 7 favs out of the 20 I made. Ooooohhhh such festive fun playing with my Christmas stash!

I took the last card (the post below) into work to show a couple of the girls who dabble in crafting. My colleagues all want me to take my Christmas collection in so they can buy some off me! So I better get cracking and make more as I wont have any left for myself!

Happy Christmas crafting xx

Twas the night before Christmas

2010-06-16T17:11:00.004+01:00

This is one of the most gorgeous poems I know and yesterday I found it at the local craft shop as a graphic 45 paper. I'm not usually blessed with seeing what I would like to do immediately with a project but with this one I could see this end product clearly!

Here is the inside of a huge gatefold card. It is 9 1/4 x 9 inches as the size of the poem dictated the inside size of the card. I've used stampin up not quite navy card stock, black and cream. The patterned papers around the edges and sides is from the paper waste.

I love how it has turned out - I hope the photos do it some justice as I am really proud of it!

The stamping on the cards front 2 panels is with weathered wood distress ink and Tim Holtz Christmas stamps - a perfect combination with the papers. So Olde worlde.

I just adore making Christmas cards - this one is a particular favourite although I'm not sure I have an envelope to fit it LOL! 2 eyelets, some ribbon and a heart charm and its complete. I'm entering this into the Bah Humbug challenge which I believe is anything goes x

Hope you like it too!

Winter wonderland A traditional Christmas flower

2010-06-11T09:00:00.001+01:00

Over at Winter Wonderland our team mate Danielle has asked us to use a traditional Christmas flower on our project this week. I have lots of these poinsettas from craftwork cards so thought I would use them.

Paper is by papermania and not sure about the stamp as I borrowed it from Mums stash!

We have a brilliant sponsor this week who is

and is offering this set of stamp as a prize.

Do stop by Winter Wonderland and see the work of my fabulous Team mates. Of course I would love you to join in too!

Have a great day x

Janet

Winter Wonderland - feeling the Love

2010-06-03T23:45:00.008+01:00

Over at Winter Wonderland Marianne is celebrating her anniversary so wanted us to make a card with a love theme. Here I have used a penny black stamp coloured with promarkers and stampin up papers. Its hard to see the sentiment which reads "love makes Christmas special". I think the little mouse is sooo cute!

We have a sponsor too this week offering $15 prize

Whimsy are also having a DT call at the moment so do check them out by clicking on the logo!

My team mates have produced some gorgeous cards this week all with the love theme so do stop by and check them out. We love to see your comments too!

Winter Wonderland Christmas Sweeties

2010-05-27T14:18:00.004+01:00

This weeks theme is chosen by our brilliant Team mate Avril who has been away on an enforced blog holiday without her computer! Great to have you back Avril.

So the sweeties I have gone for are chocolate mints - after eights, peppermint creams you get the picture LOL. This gorgeous stamp is by Elusive images isnt it brilliant? and it has embossed beautifully. The papers are by Clare Curd and brown paper and ribbon from stash. I tried to fit a sentiment on but it was just taking away from the baubles beauty so I left it be.

Our sponsor this week is

who are offering 2 digi images to the randomly chosen winner!

So go on join in! Check out my team mates over at Winter wonderland their creations will have you drooling!

More new stamps like I need them right??? LOL

2010-05-27T13:27:00.003+01:00

I spent last weekend at Art from the Heart in Harrogate doing an art journalling course and lo and behold they had added more stamps to the sale including this one from Paperartsy. I fell in love with this last year but felt it had limited use really but seeing it for £3-50 I really could not resist! Here I have teamed the image with stampin up papers and coloured it with promarkers. The sticker sentiment is also stampin up and the ribbon is from my stash. I just had to play along with Vikki and Susies Christmas challenge as well as Bah Humbug and am hoping this fits in with both. Its also a different size card to usual as ive used a DL card. Realised since taking the pic it does not fit into my Christmas card box so I have begun another so may have to do a few bigger cards to keep it company!
have a great day x Janet

Winter Wonderland

2010-05-21T07:14:00.002+01:00

This week we have a sketch designed by the lovely Marianne which was brilliant to work with. Ive gone for the main image having a layered look which I've been playing with on my other blog too. The nativity stamps were some I bought way back when Lakeland did craft things. The vine type stamp is from stampin up the set called pocket silhuettes. The papers and border are by sandylion. Ive also added a few crystals to high light the halo.

Our sponsor this week is who are donating a prize of $15 for the lucky winner.

Do hop on over to Winter Wonderland , pick up the sketch and admire my team mates work its fabulous!

A sucker for a bargain!

2010-05-19T17:17:00.003+01:00

When I last went to afth I bought this fab Christmas stamp in the sale so yesterday when I was supposed to be tidying I just had to play (I dont think anyone noticed anyway!). Stamp by Crafty Individuals papers by papermania ribbon and card from stash. The image is coloured with distress inks.
Im entering this into Bah Humbugs challenge which is punched borders and Susie and Vikkis Christmas challenge which is stitching. I think this stamp will be getting lots of wear over the coming months!

Winter wonderland - See amid the winters snow

2010-05-14T09:00:00.000+01:00

Surprisingly I was a little stuck with this one so decided to play a little and see what happened. Well out came the alcohol inks, my TH Christmas stamps and the white embossing powder. I love this sort of "see what happens" kinda card and I know it may be a little whacky but I hope you like it too. Firstly I alcohol inked the glossy paper then embossed the snow flakes. I then over stamped in archival library green for the trees and black for the Christmas Carols. All matted onto green then matt gold card. The December was stamped on to plain card coloured with distress inks - this is why I love ranger products - they all co-ordinate beautifully.

Over on Winter Wonderland we want to see what you come up with from the title "See amid the Winters snow" which is in fact my favourite Christmas Carol too. My teamies have come up with some stunners so do hop over and take a look - Our sponsor is also Delicious doodles so a lucky winner is in for a real treat with 3 digi images from there!

Have a fabulous Friday x Janet

Susie and Vikkis Christmas challenge

2010-05-09T09:39:00.000+01:00

This week over at Susie and Vikkis the challenge is called jingle bells! I just had to use the Jingle all the way stamp I have! Searched High and Low for a bell stamp and found this in my mums stash - by papermania I think it works ok. Coloured with promarkers and mounted onto red mirri card. Basic grey paper strip which is a leftover from last year and then some red gem stones to finish off. Im not good with "simple" but am pleased with the way this has turned out.
Hope you like it too.
Janet

Bah Humbug - Christmas food!

2010-05-09T09:25:00.001+01:00

There was only one food that sprang to mind when I saw this challenge - I make between 12 and 15 Christmas cakes every year and start making them the first week in September! I mostly give them as presents and as I use a recipe my MIL gave me before she died my OHs family love them. I shared the recipe on my other blog here if you would like an easy Christmas cake recipe!

So onto my card. this has a pudding on it but all the bears mixing together reminds me of when the kids were small and used to help me. A forever friends image coloured with promarkers and mounted on red. The bits of papers behind are from Basic grey wassail - bits left over from last year actually- Im such a scrooge LOL.
The wording sentiment is by paperartsy and I always think it conjours up Christmas dinner when you read the words! A little craft work cards sentiment and a heart brad - as I always mix lots of love into my cakes - and thats it done.
Hope you like x
Janet

Winter wonderland - Cute Creatures!

2010-05-07T08:25:00.000+01:00

So here is my fist challenge at Winter Wonderland and I have chosen cute creatures - now you know why the Messy rabbit stamp set fit so well with my theme - Linda I hope you are going to join in with your new stamp set xx

So I have chosen a penny black image for my card - this is not a new stamp but it is new to me. The Stampman was selling off demo stamps at wonderful prices a couple of weeks ago so I had to indulge my Christmas fix yet again LOL.

Ive coloured it with promarkers Before simple matting and layering.

The papers are papermania, sentiment craftwork cards and punched holly by Xcut with gemstones coloured red to finish off the look. Ribbon and vellum from stash and thats it.

We are sponsored this week by Regina at The Cutting Cafe for 4 digi stamps for the winner - a brilliant prize!

I will be buzzing waiting to see your gorgeous creations so do join in this week and let those cute creations flow xx

Janet

A couple of challenges

2010-05-04T12:51:00.000+01:00

Over at Bah Humbug the theme is snowflakes. I have lapsed in my atc making the last month or so and have twice as many Christmas cards than Christmas atcs - so thats what Ive stuck to for this challenge. I popped into my Christmas scraps and made this little atc. Vellum and stones papermania, ribbon and snaowflake from stash and the sentiment is craftwork card.

At Susie and Vikkis this week its stockings! So again rooted in the scraps box .The stamped text is by paperartsy, the stocking stamp by anitas and the sentiment craft work cards. Ribbon from stash.

Phew thats another 2 done!

And the winner of my celebration candy is

2010-05-04T12:48:00.000+01:00

Number 8 which is Linda
Well done Linda email me your snail mail address and I will get it in the post asap. My challenge starts on Friday and this will come in handy for it :0)

Thanks to all that entered. I will be offering candy again soon so do keep a look out for it!
Janet

Blog Candy

2010-05-04T09:59:00.000+01:00

Here is the prize - a gorgeous stamp set by Joanna Sheen. I thought it perfect for our Easter Bunny theme at WW but it also fits perfectly with my first challenge hosted in a few weeks time. So the lucky winner will receive this in time to join in my first challenge - cool huh?
So what do you have to do?
1) add this pic to your sidebar with a link back to my blog and the closing date of Tuesday 4th May
2) become a follower of my Christmas blog
3) leave a comment below so I can come and visit you too (and of course pick a winner)
4) Join in at least one Winter wonderland challenge between now and May 4th - to help me celebrate becoming a WW Dt member :0)
Then thats it! The winner will be picked at 12 noon on 4th may by Random Generator so make sure you check to see if it is you - I will then post out first class so the winner is ready for my first host challenge on Winter Wonderland. Hop on over to my Teamie Kate for another Blog Candy giveaway :0)
Good Luck and Im really looking forward to visiting you xx

Winter Wonderland Christmas gift card holder

2010-04-30T09:00:00.000+01:00

Over at Winter Wonderland this week the challenge was to make a gift card holder. I really love this idea as it does make giving cash or a gift card seem much more thoughtful. I made this following the tutorial here

Ive used red cardstock, basic grey wassial papers, a high hopes christmas kitty stamp coloured with promarkers, SU scalloped circle and sentiment.

Ive stamped the inside with a hand made stamp too. Really pleased with this and I'm sure I will make many more - in fact hop on over to my other blog as I've made one for a friends birthday too using left overs!
Winter Wonderland is sponsored this week by The Stampbarn

who are offering some decorative scissors and a stamp as prize!

Check out the DTs work here

and dont forget my blog candy - Next week is my chosen challenge week so my candy finishes on 4th May so the lucky winner can join in the challenge with their prize!

Peace on Earth

2010-04-26T10:09:00.000+01:00

Over at Susie and Vikkis challenge this week we have to use set words one of them being Peace. Perfect opportunity to play with this huge beauty of a stamp. The stamp itself is 3 and 3/4 inches by 5 and 1/4 inches big so really does take some stamping. Ive used silver embossing powder for a simple black, white and silver card. I wanted to stick to something simple so the words were the focus. Behind the words is just a strip of black card with 3 silver stripes of ribbon and the wording is mounted onto the card with foam pads.
I have over 40 Christmas cards now so I am really pleased with how my Christmas Preparations are coming along. If you haven't yet begun then do try joining in some of these fab challenges to get ahead for this year - you wont regret it!

Winter Wonderland Now on a Friday!

2010-04-23T08:01:00.000+01:00

Over at Winter Wonderland we have had a change of challenge day to Friday. That means you have all weekend to get your entries in! We are having an open theme week although of course it should be Christmassy! I've gone for a Vintage feel to combine with Vikki and Susies challenge.
Ive also gone for another Craft Stamper look as last week I saw a card made by the lovely Jean from Crafty Individuals using an envelope. It was stunning so I have recreated my own version for the challenge.

Cosmo Cricket papers I have stamped believe along the trim over the top of the beaded ribbon. The circle is a chipboard shape again by comsmo cricket which co-ordiantes with the die cut shapes in the paper pack. I used an envelope template by Lakeland to make the square envelope.

and the Santa image is stamped and then coloured with distress inks. All the papers have been edged with distress inks too using antique linen, frayed burlap and fired brick.

So back to Winter wonderland. We have 2 sponsors again this week for 2 lucky winners and we have blog candy with some of our DT too.

So hop on over to Winter Wonderland and read all about it!

A vintage card

2010-04-20T21:02:00.000+01:00

Susie and Vikkis Christmas challenge this week is to make a Vintage Christmas card. A perfect excuse to use my new Reindeer stamp - How gorgeous is he?? The image and sentiment are both from Graphicus - You may be seeing him and his little prancing friend quite a bit over the coming months LOL. Teamed with these Cosmo Cricket papers and a diecut snowflake I hope this fits the bill!

A little brad or 4 and the job is done apart from a little distressing with antique linen, frayed burlap and fired brick and its finished. Oh I do so love that stamp :0)