Happy Christmas!

Sorry I have not been around much this month - I have been a really bad blogger!  I haven't posted or more importantly, visited my lovely blog friends as much as I should!  I will try and get round to see you all as soon as I can.

I wish you an Amazing Christmas, New Year and Holiday Season - have loads of fun with your family and friends.

Thank you for all your support and encouragement through the year, I appreciate it so much!

Take care.  Huge Christmas Hugs - Christine xxx

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 183

I am a bit late but I made it for WOYWW!  If anyone is not sure what this is then hop over to Julia's Place to find out and join in the fun.

Absolutely no craft going on today I am afraid!  I have been out for my M.E. Support Group Christmas lunch which took over the whole day, not that I am complaining!  It was fab, lots of yummy food and we had a real laugh too.  Anyhoo, back to my desk - On the left is a wall hanging that my good friend Julie made for me to hang in my craft room.  The wooden music shapes are blog candy I won from Tando Creative and just above them are some Velcro fasteners I won from Hope and Chances - I have been very lucky this last week!  I am behind with my Christmas cards and still have quite a few to make so the Snowflake card is a simple design so I can get some done quickly.  You can see a pile of Snowflakes already stamped, embossed and matted.  The ticket is from a concert I went to in Brighton on Friday.  A brilliant chap called Rodriguez.  There is a documentary film out about him at the moment called 'Searching for Sugarman'.  His tour is under the same name and he was amazing!  The film and the concert are both well worth seeing if you get the chance.  Tomorrow I must clear my desk and get those cards made!  Have a good week and thank you for visiting.  Take care.  Christine xx

Another Gesso Background

Here is another card with the Gesso background that I learned from Craft Stamper.

The lady stamp is Crafty Individuals and the sentiment is Penny Black on Spellbinder Labels 4.  Those gorgeous little roses are from Wild Orchid Crafts. I made this card for my good friend Julie at Paper Pathway.  Its scary making cards for Julie cause, as you can see if  you visit her fab blog, she is soooo talented!  I hope you have a nice day, mine will be spent making Christmas cards after I have caught up with all my blog friends - I am a bit behind at the moment! Take care and thank you for visiting.  Christine xx

Snowy Mouse

I would like to say hello and thank you to my new followers and also thank you to all of my followers for your continued support, it is so appreciated and means such a lot!

I fell in love with this Penny Black Xmouse ornament stamp and just had to buy it!  The snowflakes are from the Crafters Companion stamp set Let it Snow.  The stamping is all with black Versafine and embossed with clear powder and the little mouse is coloured with Promarkers.  The snowflakes are coloured with Salty Ocean Distress Ink watered down and painted.  The same ink is used to blend around all the edges, I used a blending tool and Splodgeway mat which makes it so easy!  The Spellbinder is labels 4 and I have added loads of Glamour Dust for sparkle.

I would like to enter this into the Blue and Silver challenge over at Splodgeaway, pop over and see the fab projects the design team have made. Take care, Christine xx

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 179

I didn't make WOYWW last week so am glad to be back.  In fact, I have been a very bad blogger, this is my first post for ages!  Note to self, 'must do better'!

Today I am making Christmas cards using the Penny Black Xmouse Ornament stamp, its so cute!  The blue ink is Salty Ocean Distress Ink and I am using my Splodgeway mat for blending.  My Grand Calibur is to the left, Promarkers lurking behind that and a tile with more of the ink on, which I spritzed with water and used to paint the centres of the snowflakes which are from Crafters Companion Let it Snow stamp set from a few years ago.   If you would like to join in the Wednesday fun Julia's place is where to be. Thank you for visiting my desk and take care.  Christine xx

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 177

Here we are, Wednesday again and time to seek inspiration by peeking around lots of crafty desks!  To join in visit Julia's Fab Blog - go on, you know you want to!

I had to rush an anniversary card this morning - the finished card and various remnants you can see.  Anyone who visits my blog regularly will notice I have made this card before but I didn't have time to think, just to do!  Last time I used H2Os for the background, this time I used Lyra Aquacolours for the background - scribble on, spray with water, sploosh about with a paint brush, dry then spray with pearl Glimmer mist - so fast!  I had hardly used them till last Wednesday, they now are one of my current favourites.  To the left is the start of a card using another Gesso background from last Wednesday - my last post is a completed one. The ruler you can see is from the set of three Perfect Layers Tools.  I use them for matting and layering.  If you haven't heard of them, each has little lips on at different widths which catch on your first layer then you use the steel edge on the tool and a craft knife to cut your layers.  It takes a bit of practice but I love them.  My description is a bit rubbish but I am sure there is something on the internet.

Well I have rambled on for long enough, thanks for visiting and have a fab WOYWW.  Take care.  Christine xx

First Christmas Card!

At last I have made my first Christmas card.  I used one of the Gesso backgrounds from my last post.

The main image stamp and the sentiment are Crafty Individuals and are stamped onto white card coloured in the same way as the Gesso background and embossed with clear embossing powder.  The little stars are a tiny clear stamp from Lavinia.  To stamp on the Gesso background I used Archival ink and left it quite a while to dry.  I kept the card quite simple as I didn't want to cover up too much of the background but I did add loads of Glamour Dust with a glue pen as I wanted lots of sparkle. The actual base card is white but because I photographed it on a white background, you can't see it very well, sorry!    Thanks for visiting me today.  Take care.  Christine  

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 176

It Wednesday! Time to have a dash round crafty desks to see what everyone is up to.  To join in pop along to Julia's Place.

In this months Craft Stamper, there is an article by Liesbeth Fidder on Gesso backgrounds so I thought I would give it a try.  The three to the left and the one at the back are made as Liesbeth suggests using Lyra Aquacolour crayons and water - these are already dry.  The two at the front I tried using a selection of H20s and Cosmic Shimmer paints - these are still wet.  I still have to try stamping on the textured backgrounds and turning them into projects. I am not sure how well they will turn out but it is fun playing!  I should really be making Christmas cards but, hey ho, will start soon.  Have a good Wednesday and a fab week and thank you for visiting my desk.  Take care.  Christine xx

Wedding Card

I forgot that I hadn't posted the card I made for my Daughter's wedding last month.

All the white card is Centura Pearl from Crafters Companion and the cake and sentiment stamps are from the Mr and Mrs unmounted set from Creative Expressions.  The letters are stamped onto Card Candi and the embossing folder used for the background is my favourite folder ever! which is Tied Together by Couture Creations.  The pearls and silver card are from my stash and the Spellbinder Nestability used is Classic Scallop Rectangle.  Thank you for looking.   Take care, Christine x

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 174

Oh my goodness! its over a month since I last joined in with WOYWW and although I haven't got much to show you, I am glad I am back!

Yesterday the postman popped the Memory Box Snowy Border through my door - I love it!  I tried it using greaseproof paper between the die and the card as I heard it makes the card release easier.  It works brilliantly! You can also see the Spellbinders Layered Poinsettia and the Frame Leaf  from Lean Creatief.  I have had both these sets for a while but not tried them yet so that is what I will be doing next.  If you want to join in and pop round some crafty desks then Julia's is the place to go.  Have a good week and thank you for visiting my desk.  Take care.  Christine xx 

Fairies

Another big gap since my last post, sorry!  My daughter's wedding went really well - thank you for all your good wishes.  I will post a picture when I have sorted one out - mine didn't come out too well so need to get hold of some better ones.

Anyway, here is a fairy card I made using Sheena Douglass's Silhouette Grasses and Hidden Fairies stamp sets.

The background is various Distress Inks, I cannot remember which ones, sorry! I then sprayed with water, dried and sprayed with Pearl Glimmer Mist. The stamping is black Versafine embossed with clear powder and I have added Glamour Dust for sparkle.  I love using silhouette stamps and Sheena's are fabulous.  There are more sets I neeeeed! Thank you for looking and take care.  Christine xx

Birthday Dreams

Sorry there has been such a long gap between posts, I am not very organised at the moment. The card used throughout has been coloured with the Summer Distress Colours, I love them, they are so vibrant!  I inked the card using a blending tool then spritzed and blobbed with water letting it run in places.  I dried with a heat gun then sprayed with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Pearl.  The background has ink dabbed through the Dylusions Dotted Flower stencil.  The flower stamp is from a set by Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen called Retro Rose stamped with black Versafine and embossed with clear powder. The sentiment stamp is Penny Black but unfortunately  I can't remember the name of the Spellbinder die as it was one a friend lent me a while ago.

 I have been very slow visiting everyone's blogs too, I am so sorry, will try and catch up in the next few days.  My daughter is getting married a week on Friday so its a very exciting time!  I can't wait! Thank you for visiting me.  Take care.  Christine xx

Fab Candy at the Craft Barn

Hop over to the Craft Barn to have a chance of winning this fabulous candy.

Its an absolutely brilliant blog.  The Design Team are fabulous and the projects are varied and you get so many ideas - definitely worth a look xx

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 169

Its Wednesday again! Time to visit those crafty desks so pop over to Julia's Place to join in.  I snapped my desk this morning as I left it last night.

The stamps are Kanban and Clarity and there are the fabulous, can't possibly live without, Distress Inks and Grand Calibur.  Brads too make an appearance - I have loads and they usually get forgotten. You can see the card I made here if you would like to take a look.   Anyhow, I will  keep it short as you have many desks to get round.  Have a fab day. I will see you later.  Take care.  Christine xx

Special Day

The current challenge over at Artful Times is 'Using Acetate'.  For my entry I stamped the frame and the flower clear stamps from Kanban and the sentiment from Clarity Stamps, in Archival Ink onto Acetate.  The coloured background is made using white card and blending Picked Raspberry, Peacock Feathers, Shaded Lilac Distress Inks and edged with Black Soot. I also lightly spritzed water over the ink and let it dry naturally. To give the background a more muted sparkly look, I cut a piece of garden fleece then added a squirt of Stardust Stickles and screwed it up so the fleece is delicately glittered and has a crumpled look.  I then layered the fleece over the inked card and the stamped acetate over the fleece and attached together with brads.  The corners I have used above and below the sentiment are Spellbinders Parisian Accents and have been cut out of black card then double embossed with Versemark Ink and Clear Embossing Powder to make them shine and attached with brads and Pinflair Glue Gel  The whole thing has been attached to a black card blank again using Pinflair Glue Gel.

I stumbled across the Garden Fleece when looking round a local hardware shop.  It comes on a big roll and you buy it in metre lengths.  I think it is for keeping frost from plants.  It looks fab over silver or gold mirror card too.  I will be using it for some of my Christmas cards - I love it when you find something that is cheap and cheerful you can add to your stash!  I hope you can see the effect ok. Please pop over to Artful Times and see all the wonderful entries and Design Team Projects. Take care, Christine xx

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 167

A very short post today as I am not feeling too good  (sorry to moan!).  Here is my desk as I left it yesterday.

The image is a gorgeous stamp I won from Anne at Learning to Jive which is a fabulous blog.  Thank you Anne.  I have never been able to colour in hair and Sheena Douglass was on Create and Craft this week using Distress inks to water colour so thought I would give it a try.  I still need lots more practice but will get there!  Sorry about the glare off the tile I am using as a pallet (another Sheena idea).  To join in with WOYWW hop along to Julia's place.  Thanks for visiting.  Take care.  Christine xx

Butterflies Galore!

Over at Hope and Chances where the very talented Christine Emberson has her fabulous blog, it is August Inspiration Day.  Each month Christine shares some piccies with us and if we are inspired, we create a project, send her a photo and she shares a gallery of them for all to see.  I was inspired by a picture of a big pink butterfly and this is what I came up with.

The stamp is from a clear set called Butterfly Tree from Little Claire and the sentiment is Penny Black.  The die cut butterflies are a from a Stamping up cut and emboss folder made by Sizzix and I have used Spellbinders Curved Rectangles, Small Scallop Circles and Small Circles.  I coloured the butterflies with Promarkers and the papers and button are from my stash. There is lots of glitter too which I hope you can see.  You must have a look at the other projects Christine is showing, they are fabulous!  So is Christine's blog - I visit it every day!  Thank you for stopping by and have a fab rest of the weekend.  Take care.  Christine xx

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday, 165

Wednesday already and unbelievably, 1st August too!

My Spring Distress Inks were delivered by Mr Postman this week and today I am trying them out.  No plan, just playing for now.  Added to the mix are my water spray , glitter, liquid pearls and Lavinia stamps.  I am just going to see what comes out at the end!  To see what everyone else is up to today, why not pop along to Julia's place to join in the fun.  Have a fab day and enjoy the Olympics. Take care and thanks loads for visiting. Christine xx

Photography Card

Its my Brother Lloyd's birthday today, here is the card I made him, as you may guess - he is a keen photographer.

The stamps are Vintage Photography from Creative Expressions.  The Main image of the camera man and the frame are stamped with black Versafine and embossed with clear embossing powder.  Most other images are stamped using the same ink but I stamped on scrap paper first and did not emboss so the images were faded. The edges are inked with Antique Linen Distress Ink.  The large film strips were stamped on acetate using black Stazon, cut out and attached with brads.  The frame and the main image are raised on 3D foam but you can't see this too well in the picture.  The numbers are cut using a Cuttlebug die and the stars are from a Crafty Individual Christmas set and I used cream and black card from my stash.  I spoke to Lloyd on the phone this morning and he really likes the card so job done!  Did you see the Olympic Opening Ceremony last night? I loved it! It was so different and so cool! I hope you have nice weather wherever you are and have a fabulous weekend.  Take care.  Christine xx

What's on your Workdesk? 164

It's Wednesday again and time to pop round and see what is happening at desks everywhere.  Visit Julia's blog to join the ride!

I have just finished mounting the Vintage Photography stamps on EZ mount and cutting them out ready to make a birthday card for my brother.  He is really into photography so I thought this set would be perfect.  I have laminated the picture sheet.  I always do this so the stamps have somewhere to cling, then they are stored in  plastic boxes. The Lady with Umbrella and Hat came ready mounted from a company in the USA called 100proofpress.  I saw it used in an earlier edition of Craft Stamper and had to have it! It came very quickly and they included the other little starburst stamp free which I thought was very nice of them.  The stamps didn't come with a picture sheet, so I stamped the images out on copy paper to make my own. I still have to trim the laminated images to size.  The Little Claire Changing Tree to the left is a candy prize I won from their blog this week. Lucky me! All the little Christmas images will be so useful.  My previous post is the finished wedding invitation for my daughter Sarah's wedding in September.  I started it a few WOYWW posts ago but could only post it yesterday after they had all been sent out.  Have a good day and thank you for popping in.  Take care  Christine xx

Wedding Invitation

My daughter, Sarah, is getting married in September and she wanted a simple but tasteful wedding invitation and this is what we came up with.

We used Ivory Centura Pearl card from Crafters Companion and the gold card was from my stash.  The punch and frame stamp are from Stamping Up and the wording is part of a Marion Emberson Clear wedding set.  I did the stamping with black Archival ink and used an old pad so it didn't come out too dark. The ribbon is bottle green organza from Wild Orchid Crafts.  I spent a lovely girlie weekend with Sarah when we made these invitations. She really looked after me - lots of lovely food and it was the first time I have ever tried Pimms - I really like it and it left me with a very warm fuzzy feeling!  Thanks for visiting, I hope you have nice weather today - its gorgeous here in Bournemouth.
Take care  Christine xx

Hit The High Road

This is one of my favourite stamps and is by Little Claire Designs.  The paper is Die Cuts with a View, its from an old kit from QVC  I can't remember the name, sorry!.  I coloured the image with ProMarkers and added some distressing with Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink. I also used Glossy Accents on the windows and lights.  The corners are made using Cuttlebug dies and the stones and backing card are from my stash.   I would like to enter this into the 'Mode of Transport' challenge over at Artful Times challenge blog.  You should pop over and have a look - the Design Team is fabulous! Its sunny here in Bournemouth at the moment, I hope its nice where you are too.  Thanks for looking, take care.  Christine xx

Simple Little Card

Yesterday,  I remembered it was a friend's birthday and had to make a very quick card - this is the result.

I made the card blank and the small centre panel from Kraft card, the paper is from a First Edition pad called Desert Blooms, the frame and bird stamps are Marion Emberson Birds and Trees and the sentiment is from the new Hobby Art Birthday Collection.  Everthing is stamped with black Versafine ink and embossed with clear detail embossing powder.  I heated the birds from behind so they are nice and glossy and the patterned paper is glitter paper.  I am really pleased with how this turned out, I like the simplicity of it.  Its the first time I have used Kraft card and will be using it lots more, I love it!  Thank you for looking.   Take care.  Christine xx

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 163

On Saturday my friend Julie and I went to the Artstamps Stamp and Papercraft Fair at Newbury Racecourse, it was brilliant and yesterday I took a photo of my desk before I put my purchases away.

Sorry it is such a rubbish photo!  As you can see I bought loads of card and envelopes, always a good thing to buy at the shows.  The stamps are, from the left, Hobbyart, Lavinia and Clarity - the corner stamps sitting on the card are Clarity too.  Inkpads, paper, sticky stones and a small selection of Flexmakers to try.  The Flexmarkers were £1 each which were a bargain!  Sitting on the Kraft card is a Die set  and at the back is a wooden house waiting to be altered.  All I need to do now is play with everything!  I wore my WOYWW badge and looked for other WOYWWers but didn't see anyone.  I'm sure you were there though.  I did meet up with some other friends from Bournemouth (where I live) though.  Where are the photo's? you ask.  I forgot to take any! How hopeless am I!
 I must mention Maria over at Inkymits who was demonstrating on the Clarity Stamp stand, who was really helpful at the end of the day when I was in a bit of state cause of my M.E. symptoms.  Maria was so kind, she is also mega talented and her blog is definitely worth a visit. The lady from Clarity who served me was really helpful too, unfortunately I don't know her name. To join in the Wednesday desk snooping fun visit Julia at her fab blog and see what everyone is up to.
Welcome to my new followers,  I will really appreciate your visits and comments. Thank you for popping by, Take care, Christine xx

Seaside Memories

This card is a bit out of my comfort zone.  Its the most distressed project I've done.  I usually like very precise and even mats and layers etc. so this was a bit of a challenge for me.  Over at Artful Times the current challenge is 'I Do Like to be Beside the Seaside' and this is my take on it.  The challenge ends today so I have only just made it!  The images are from Creative Expressions Create a Scene Seaside unmounted stamp plate and are stamped with Versafine Vintage Sepia.  I ripped the images and the mats and distressed them with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  The bunting is stamped from a Marion Emberson clear set and the letters are stamped using a Craftwork Cards stamp set.  I used the same Distress Ink on those too and stamped them with the Versafine ink. There are ice cream cones ramdomly stamped on the black mat with Versamark ink, I hope you can see them ok  The string came from a parcel I had been given, the shells I have had for ages and are fixed with Pinflair glue gel and I used Glossy Accents on the flag.  Thanks for looking.  Take Care, Christine xx

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 161

Hello everyone! Its Wednesday again and what's so special about Wednesday? I hear you cry.  Well, its time to visit crafting desks across the world to see what going on.  To join in visit Julia's fabby blog you will be glad you did!

However, not much going on at my desk at the moment.

There are a couple of abstract cards I have made using Encaustic Art waxes - I just love messing around with these.  For anyone that isn't aware, it is painting with special waxes using an iron.  People achieve the most amazing artwork including landscapes using this medium.  I haven't really tried that yet, I am just happy doing abstracts.  To the left a brand new arrival through the post today, the new Spellbinders Holiday Tree die. I soooo love this and can't wait to start playing with it.  In the background to the left sitting on the lamp base is my WOYWW badge which I will be wearing with pride on Saturday at the Newbury Artstamps exhibition.  I will keep a look out for any other fellow WOYWWers.  I hope to see lots of you there! My friend Julie and I go every year and always have a brilliant time and buy lots of goodies.  I will be messing up my desk later today with some crafting.  Thank you so much for dropping by.  Take care.  Christine xx

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 159

I haven't posted for a while and haven't joined in with the Wednesday fun for ages either - I have missed it and am glad to be back.  My desk is quite organised as I am starting my Daughter Sarah's wedding invitations. I am doing the stamping this week then we are putting them together at the weekend when we are having a girlie weekend together at Sarah's house.

The frame and the punch are from Stamping Up and the set of words is a Marion Emberson clear set.  We are keeping the invitations simple by adding some gold card and bottle green ribbon.

If you are wondering what the Wednesday desk snoop is all about pop over to Julia's  fab blog to find out and join in.

Thank you so much for popping by.  Take care. Christine xx


  

Bird Song

I have had this bird stamp for nearly a year and not used it until now.  It is from the Tim Holtz Urban Chic set by Stampers Anonymous.  The music stamp is repeat stamped, and is by Inkylicious.  I have used Spellbinders Foliage and Curved Rectangles and all the backgrounds are inked using Hydrangea Big and Juicy applied with Ink Dusters. The colouring is very subtle and doesn't show up too well in the photo. The letters are from my stash.  I am entering this into a challenge at Artful Times.  The other entries are amazing, definitely worth a look.  Mine is very simple in comparison but I enjoyed making it and love to support their blog.  Any music fans will notice my glaring error! I stuck the music panel on upside down - silly me!!  I hope you are enjoying the fabulous weather and thank you for stopping by.  Take care, Christine xx

What's on your Workdesk? 154

Well, I wasn't going to join in with the fun today as there was nothing at all on my desk, but then I had a delivery and the post arrived!  The card is a set of 100 sheets of Bazzill Basics I ordered from QVC.  I just love the selection of colours.  The stamp set and trinkets are some Prima candy I won from Snazzy's Design Team Blog and they are gorgeous! Thank you Snazzy's - who are definitely a blog worth visiting.  If you are wondering why I am showing you my desk then pop over to Julia's Wonderful Blog to find out and join in the fun.  Thank you for visiting, I do appreciate it and I will pop and see you as soon as I can.  Have a good week.  Bye for now, Christine xx

Time To Celebrate

Artful Times Blog has a current challenge called 'Time'.  I missed their last challenge but have managed to post this in time (excuse the pun!).

The 'Time to Celebrate' and the watch stamp are both free clear stamps that came with different issues of Craft Stamper.  The watches are stamped in Versemark on gloss card and randomly brayered with Soothing Sunset Big and Juicy ink.  The background coloured card is gloss card inked in the same way just without the watches.  The sentiment is stamped and embossed using the same ink and clear embossing powder on gloss card and punched out then layered on the inked gloss card die cut with small Scalloped Circle Spellbinders then on a die from Spellbinders Parisian Accents.  The other bits and pieces are from my stash.  I have added lots of glitter, I do love sparkles!

I would just like to apologise for being behind with my blog visits and comments, I am going to have a catch up tomorrow! Thanks very much for visiting. xx

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 152

The temptation was to quickly clear up my desk and put something more interesting out but that's not really the point is it?  This is as I left it yesterday after I had finished the card in my last post, but I haven't got round to putting things away yet.  There is another table on the left side of the room and that is covered with my paper trimmer, paper and various other bits and bobs too.  Its amazing how much stuff you need for one simple little card!!  You can see my Tim Holtz scissors which appear a lot, they are the best ones I have ever had, and the Marion Emberson bunting stamps and the letter and number stamps are from Craftwork Cards.  Once again I have used Spellbinders Labels One cause I love them and there are the usual Promarkers, Distress Inks and various glues. I used my Grand Calibur too but have managed to put that away!  If you don't have a clue why I am boring you with the goings on of my desk then pop along to Julia's Fabby Blog to find out and join in.  Have a fabulous Wednesday and thanks for stopping by xx

Bunting Card

Hi everyone, its ages since I posted so I thought I would share this birthday card I made for my friends son.  I was having trouble coming up with an idea and suddenly remembered my Marion Emberson bunting stamps.  The paper is from my stash and I used Promarkers to colour the flags and I then glazed them with Glossy Accents.  I added some bakers twine from my stash and the scallop card is from Craftwork Cards as is the Card Candi which is white but coloured with a Promarker.  Its simple but hopefully will be ok.  Girly cards are sooooo much easier to come up with! x 

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 149

My desk is fuller than normal today.  I want to make a stash of flowers using the Creative Expressions Button Florals and Craftwork Cards Build a Bloom.  Both these sets include flowers that are easy to cut out. I want to make some from patterned paper and some from images which I colour myself.  As you can see, my Promarkers are out at the moment but I may use sprays and inks too.  I started yesterday afternoon but didn't get very far! If you are wondering why I am showing my desk in all its messy glory, pop along to Julia's Fab blog to find out.  Have a fab desk hopping day, I will be late visiting  today as I am going out for a friends birthday.  If the weather is ok, it will be a boat trip and a cream tea! xx

Artful Times Challenge

Artful Times is a new challenge blog and their first challenge is to make a tag.  Its a first for me too, I have never entered a challenge before so I have made a simple one layer tag for the occasion.  The background is inked with Dusty Concord, Spiced Marmalade, Fired Brick and Mustard Seed Distress Inks. I then sprayed with Solar Gold Glimmer Mist which, unfortunately, you can't see.  I masked the top and bottom and inked with Chipped Sapphire and the stamped images are from Marion Emberson with a sentiment from Personal Impressions.  There are a couple of days left to send in your entries for the challenge and support this lovely new blog.

Finished Card

Here is the finished card from Wednesday's desk.  I used H2Os for the background then spritzed with water and dabbed with kitchen roll.  I stamped the images with black Versafine using the Sheena Douglas, A Little Bit Sketchy - Lakeside Shore stamp set and embossed with WOW embossing powder Black Glint.  The sentiment is from a Hobby Art clear set.  The mat and the hearts are coloured the same way as the background and the heart is cut from a Cuttlebug die. I really enjoyed making this card and am going to use my H2Os a lot more.  They have been hiding in a drawer for ages and I had forgotten about them!   To the bottom right of the top heart you can see a little smudge of paint! Ho hum, I suppose its ok as its handmade?? xx

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 147

Oh my goodness its Wednesday already! Where does the time go?  This is my desk as I left it yesterday when I was playing with my new Sheena stamp set, Lakeside Shore and the little pots of colour are Cosmic Shimmer Paints and LuminArte H2Os.  I am making an anniversary card for my Brother and Sister in law - well if all goes to plan!! To join in WOYWW fun, all you have to do is visit Julia's Fab Blog its brilliant seeing what everyone is up to.  Have a fab day. x

What's on your Workdesk Wednesday 146

I am pleased this WOYWW as I have actually managed to post in the morning for a change!  On my desk are some new purchases that I haven't managed to put away yet.  From Craftin Charlie, the two paper pads and the Inkadinkado stamps and from the Craft Barn, the two Crafty Individuals stamps.  Later on I am going to have a play with them and see what I come up with.  The plastic pocket to the left just under the paper pad, is housing various bits of embossing I did last Wednesday ready to incorporate into projects.  I hope you have a good day and thank you for stopping by.  If you want to join in the Wednesday desk hopping fun, all you have to do is visit Julia's Place. How can you resist!

Embossed Mother's Day Card

I made this card for my Mum-in law.  Embossing folders seem to get neglected, so I was determined to use one and this Creative Expressions flower pattern is a favourite.  I used Spellbinders Labels twenty and the butterfly is a Sissix Embosslits cut and emboss die called Beautiful Wings which is made for Stampin Up. The pink is much brighter but I cannot seem to get my photo's to come out very clear - but I hope you get the idea. 

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If you don't know what this Wednesday thing is all about, then pop over to Julia's wonderful blog to join in and have a good snoop at fellow crafters desks.

I have to confess, not much crafting has been done over the last couple of weeks but I have started again this afternoon with some embossing.  Not sure where I am going with it yet but, folders and cuttlebug at the ready and will see where I end up! Towards the back you can see a tub of Flitterglu.  I bought the starter kit containing this, some guilding flakes and the necessary sponges and stuff so I can have a go.  Something to try in the future. If anyone has already tried using the Flitterglu, please let me know how you got on? Thank you. I hope you are having nice weather wherever you are.  Here in Bournemouth it is sunny and warm at the moment. One think I forgot to put on my desk in pride of place was my WOYWW badge - how remiss of me! Thank you Julia.  Have a fab day everyone and thank you for visiting my desk xx

The Finished Card

Continuing on from my WOYWW post, here is the finished card.

It looks better in real life, the colours are much more vibrant and it is a whole lot sharper - my photography skills are so rubbish!! Thats my story and I'm sticking to it!! 

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I am sooooo late posting this week!  I am having a go at Encaustic Art.  I have had the kit for ages and never really had a proper go so thats what I have been doing today. Its my husband's burthday on Monday so I thought I would try and come up with something for his card.  It took several attempts but I finally came up with a kind of abstract picture which I think is ok.  So below is my rather messy desk.  That's why the post is so late, didn't want to stop until I had finished.

I was going to add a picture of the finished card but Blogger won't let me so will do another post in a sec with that.  If you don't know what WOYWW is all about, then click here to find out and join in with Julia and all of us Wednesday snoopers!  Thanks for visiting and have a good week xx

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I've been crafting away and have only just remembered its Wednesday, silly me! For anyone who doesn't know why Wednesday matters, have a look at Julia's Fab Blog to find out.

I have just made a simple card using Darkroom Door and Marion Emberson stamps on a background of distress inks and cosmic shimmer mist.  To the right, you can see the telly on.  I have been watching the new Spellbinder releases on Ideal world and Create and Craft - a bit of a guilty pleasure!  I might make another similar card with a different colour scheme to see what it looks like.  Maybe not today though.  I hope you have a happy and creative Wednesday and thank you for dropping in. xx

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Good afternoon, I am late again!  Mind you, last week I didn't make it at all. My desk is not very busy today.  There are two cards I made using pre-printed images which I showed on my last WOYWW.  They are waiting for inserts.  The paperpads, glue and embossing folder are recent purchases.  My mobile is never far away and the bright pink thing peeking out from the left is a case holding my new camera.  However, this photo was taken with my old camera as I couldn't download the photo I took on my new one.  Help is needed from my Hubby!  I am hopeless with anything technical! Hopefully when I get to grips with the new bit of kit, my blog pictures will be much better.  Have a fab Wednesday and thank you for visiting my desk.  If you want to join in the fun then pop along to Julia's fab Blog.

Some Extra Encouragement For Me!!

Thank you so very much to Shaz in Oz for very kindly awarding me the Liebster Blog Award.  What a lovely surprize!

The Liebster Award is given to smaller bloggers who have 200 or less followers in the hope it will bring them new followers and friends.  The tradition is that it is then passed on to five other blogs to help them too.  If you want to accept the award the steps are:

1.  Link back to the persons blog who gave you the award and thank them.
2.  Post the award on your blog.
3.  Give the award to five fellow bloggers who inspire you.
4.  Leave a comment on their blogs to let them know.

It was very difficult to choose from my fabulous followers as you are all truly inspirational and your comments and encouragement are simply wonderful and so much appreciated.  I decided to choose blogs with under 100 followers and I apologise to any I had to leave out - five was just not enough - I wanted to list you all!!

I am not going to write about each one individually, you need to see for yourself just how awesome they all are:-

Lou - Hand Made By Lou Lou
Sandee - In The Hills Of North Carolina
Karen - Whats This Then
Jacqui - Jacques Junque
Maria - Mazs' Crafty blog

If you are happy to accept, then follow the steps above and enjoy, if you don't want to accept, that is fine too.

Thanks again to Shaz and I hope everyone has a fab weekend.  Chris xx

                                                                                

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Hello fellow Wednesday desk snoopers! If you are not sure what its all about, pop along to Julia's Place  to find out.  When looking through my Mad Cow folder last Wednesday, I found these four pre printed Lili of the Valley images that a friend gave me ages ago.  My plan is to search through my papers, then hit the stamps and make four cards. You will also see some lace I bought yesterday.  I have never tried lace before so may give it a go.  I am pleased with myself this week as I managed to write a post yesterday too. Its the first time I have managed more that a Wednesday post for a while. Thank you for popping in and have a lovely day xx  

Killer Heels!

Here is a card I have made for my Daughter Sarah's birthday.  Her birthday isn't until Friday but she has promised not to sneek a peek on my blog until then.  Sarah always wears 'killer heels' so I thought this card would be perfect.

The image is from my 'mad cow' folder (see my last post). I stamped it a few years ago at a craft club held at a local craft shop (now closed).  I borrowed the stamp from a friend so I can't remember the make.  I coloured the shoe in with Festive Berries DI and glazed it with glossy accents.  The label and corners are from Spellbinders Parisian Accents and the red card is embossed with a polka dot mask from Creative Expressions.  The ribbon, stones and corner brads are from my stash. I also distressed the image and the sentiment with the DI.  I'm trying to improve my photo's - tried the 'card in a box and an ottlite' suggestion from a fellow blogger.  Hopefully a slight improvement. I do admit I am no photographer though!!

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First of all, thank you to all my blogging friends who gave me advice to help with my inspiration block. I am still having problems but have started crafting again!  Now to my desk - the folder (my husband says it is very apt) contains all sorts of images.  Some are pre-printed and some are stamped by me.  I was looking through and found a stamped image that will be cool for my Daughters birthday next week.  I can't show you as Sarah might visit my blog and there will go the surprise!  To the left is a simple card using a stamp from a new clear set from Craftwork Cards and some Spellbinder dies.  I made it yesterday but added stickles this morning.  A very warm welcome to my new followers, I'm very excited to be in double figures! Lou, I have been trying to leave comments but blogger doesn't seem to be playing - I am reading all your posts though and will keep trying!  To join in the Wednesday fun hop along to Julia's place.  Have a fabulous Wednesday and a brilliant week xxx

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Help! I need inspiration!

I am feeling better than last week and want (and need) to make some cards but seem to have no ideas!  So today, my desk is covered with magazines, mostly Craft Stamper, to try and kick my creativity into action.  I am also hoping that peeking into your lovely craft spaces will inspire me as you all seem to constantly come up with amazing creations.  Maybe some of your talent will rub off on me.  I can but hope!  If you want to get inspired too and have not joined in the Wednesday fun before, head over to Julia's Fab Blog  and have a look at everone's crafty desks. Have a fab Wednesday everyone and a happy and creative week! xx

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So sorry that there is nothing for you to look a today.  I am an M.E. sufferer and have been having a particularly bad time with it and have not been able to craft at all - boo hoo!!  I would also like to apologise to my wonderful followers for the lack of posts, hopefully soon I will be able to do lots more and make my blog more interesting, thank you for sticking with me!  I will be late scooting round my desk buddies as I have a family funeral to attend today but I will get there.  Have a good WOYWW and a fab week. Join in the fun at Julia's Place  Thank you for visiting my 'neglected' desk! xxx

What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 135

I am ashamed to say that no crafting has been done on my desk, or anywhere else, this last week.  Today I thought I would just play.  I was very late getting started and wasn't sure what to do but decided on tags.  I have never tried these before so not sure if I will end up with a finished project or a fuller bin - we shall see! To join in the WOYWW fun, head over to Julia's  wonderful blog.  Have a fab day and thank you for calling in xx