Friday Sketchers # 145, Lily of the Valley # 87, Bunny Zoe's Crafts # 10 and Totally Gorjuss # 71

Got a chance to make a card last night and finished it off this morning. 

I am entering it into four challenges:-
Friday Sketchers # 145 - Sketch by Jacque
Lily of the Valley # 87 - Say it with Flowers
Bunny Zoe's Crafts Monthly Challenge # 10 - Happy Birthday with lots of pearls
Totally Gorjuss # 71 - Pearls and Lace

Cardblank - Craftwork Cards
Cardstock - Paper Mill
Patterned Paper - Kaisercraft
Pearls
Image - LOTV
Coloured with Distress Inks
Sentiment - LOTV
Happy Birthday Sentiment - Free with magazine
Woodware Punches
Martha Stewart Punch
Paper Cellar - Raffia Lace

I also want to show you photographs of two bracelets that Hollie and I made this weekend, using beads and safety pins.  Hollie was watching me and asked if she could help and she really enjoyed it and wore her bracelet yesterday.

My washing machine broke on Friday night.  Can't help thinking what is going to be next as so many things have broke already this year and it is only March.  Engineer is coming out tomorrow and I am hoping he will tell me that they will replace it with a new machine.  The drum has collapsed, which means the rubber around the door is twisted as well.  The drawer and kick plate at the moment flew off during the spin cycle and they won't go back on again.  The slot for the drawer has totally dismantled and the electrics also seem to be broke too.  It was quite scary, as we were having our tea and the machine started to make strange noises and everything started flying off it and items fell from the utility shelves and our poor dog was so scared.   Mum is doing my washing for me as I still had the uniforms to wash for the girls for school today.  So fingers crossed for a new machine.

Thanks for taking the time to pop by and visit.

Friday Sketchers # 144, Craft Us Crazy # 3 and Cute Card Thursday # 154

Another quick post as I am heading out to do the school runs and then life kind of takes over until bedtime and I won't get a chance to post.

Had a good time ice-skating on Sunday although I didn't go on the ice but the girls and hubby enjoyed it and then we went over to Ikea.  Well there is not much point going up to Belfast and not stopping by.  Now that Shannon and Sophie are older they have been wanting full length mirrors in their rooms.  Got two in Ikeas sale, so two happy girls and then out for dinner on our way home. 

I made this card last night as I was waiting for Shannon coming home around midnight.  She was at The Script concert with her friends and our friends daughter was driving so we didn't have to take her up.  Worried about them on their way up and way down but they had a great night and Shannon said the concert was amazing, one of the best she has been to.

Anyway onto my card, I am entering it into three challenges:-

Friday Sketchers # 144 - Sketch
Cute Card Thursday # 154 - Signs of Spring (I know my colours are maybe more Autumn but hopefully the image and flowers and butterfly with count)
Craft Us Crazy # 3 - Nature (Again, hope the flowers and butterfly count)

Cardblank - Craftwork Cards
Cardstock - Paper Mill
Patterned Paper - Echo Park (definitely one of my favourite companies as their papers are always very versatile and colourful)
Martha Stewart Punch
Woodware Punch
Gems - Mei Flower
Butterfly - K & Co Grand Adhesions
Image - Sugar Nellie
Coloured with Distress Inks
Sentiment - Computer Generated

Thanks for popping by.  Rain has arrived this afternoon after it being nice and springlike for a few days. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Friday Sketchers # 143, Stampavie and More # 130, Bunny Zoe's Crafts # 9 and Dream Valley # 1

I was hoping to have this card posted last night but unfortunately Hollie somehow broke the printer and I couldn't print out the sentiment.  She had been trying to print something out and it just started making weird noises and saying there was an error.  Hubby and I both checked it out but it just wouldn't work, so new printer bought this morning and card finished.  Could have done without the extra expenditure but these things happen.

I am entering my card into four challenges:-
Friday Sketchers # 143 - Follow Sketch
Stampavie and More # 130 - Welcome
Bunny Zoe's Crafts # 9 - Spring - Flowers - (flowers on papers and image as well as card
Dream Valley # 1 - Anything Goes

one of the pearls seem to have moved, only noticed it when checking blog entry, will try and get it photographed again and re-entered on blog

Cardblank - Craftwork Cards
Cardstock - Paper Mill
Patterned Paper - Echo Park
Image - Stampavie
Coloured with Distress Inks
Martha Stewart Double Edge Punch
Martha Stewart Branch Punch
Pearls - Mei Flower
Flowers - Melly's Christmas Candy
Sentiment - Computer generated

Katina had asked me what type of shop we have.  Never realised in my posts I hadn't mentioned this.  We have two shops and we sell guitars, drums, keyboards, etc and we also have guitar and drum lessons. 

I have also forget to let you know that my little niece is being called Lydia with her middle names being Kathryn Jane after her mum.

This is my eldest daughter Shannon with Lydia.  Shannon is besotted with her and couldn't wait for her to waken so she could get to nurse her.  We were all out for our dinner on Sunday evening as my dad's birthday is on Wednesday. 

Shannon took this photograph of me and Lydia.  I don't like getting my photograph taken but this one isn't too bad.

Shannon took this photograph on her mobile, although it is not that clear she looks so alert to be only 3 weeks today.

Sorry for the long post, thanks for popping by and visiting, all your comments are very much appreciated.  Off now to do some ironing, maybe get another card started and then tonight I am taking the girls to see The Saturdays in concert with supporting band Twenty Twenty.

Friday Sketchers # 137 and Lily of the Valley # 80

Back today with a card I finished yesterday, although it was to dark to take a photograph.  The photograph isn't much better today as it is very sunny and it seems to be reflecting badly.


Anyway, first of all, hello to my two new followers, Sj and Kezzy.  Thanks very much for popping by and thanks to everyone for the lovely comments.

I am entering my card into two challenges :-
Lily of the Valley # 80 - Things with wings (thought this new dandelion clock image would suit)
Friday Sketchers # 137 (Had to move the sentiment, as it didn't look right, hope that is ok)

I don't usually do a close-up photograph  as it shows all my flaws but as the main one hasn't turned out very well, I have taken this one as well.

Cardblank - Craftwork Cards
Cardstock - Bazzill
Patterned Paper - K & Co - Small Wonders (Girl)
Martha Stewart Punches
Martha Stewart Circle Cutter (still not cutting very well)
Gems - Mei Flower
Sentiment - Elzybells
Image - LOTV
Coloured with Distress Inks
Stickles

Update on our shop - Still not open, landlord not going to fix the shop, so we have been offered better premises in the same area and I think we are going to move there.  Finished itemising all the stock that we lost and are not waiting on the loss adjuster to come out and inspect and check everything.  Hopefully this week sometime and we can maybe open by the end of the month. 

Thanks for popping by, hope everyone is well and getting some crafting done.

Friday Sketchers # 136

Decided to make another card this morning instead of cleaning.  While doing the school runs and thinking about challenges, the idea came for these papers and this image and sketch and I then remembered that the card had to be in before midday.  Don't think I have ever made a card as quick or one that turned out ok. Must go and do some tidying, etc., now before the girls come home from school, before I feel guilty at making a card yesterday and today.


Cardblank - Craftwork Cards
Patterned Paper and Flowers - K & Co Wild Saffron (these are one of my favourite papers)
Image - Sugar Nellie - Sweet and Sassy (another of my favourite images)
Coloured with Distress Inks
Gems - Mei Flower
Sentiment - Pink Gem
Woodware Punch

I am entering my card into Friday Sketchers # 136

I am keeping a promise to myself to finish the inside of cards as I make them.  Always find that when you need one and it needs finished you have either ran out of those papers or don't have any spare time.

Thanks for popping by, your comments are very much appreciated.

 
 

Friday Sketchers # 133

Sorry for the lack of posts, I have just have been so busy.  Finally got all my cards posted on Friday and have got some of my family cards made, just another 6 or 7 to make.  Got all my shopping done eventually and I think that leaves just the turkey and ham to be collected.  Also got some of my presents wrapped this morning. 


With the girls being off school due to the bad weather it is harder to get organised.  They lie-on  longer and then you are playing catch-up all day with the washing and ironing, etc.  Have to help hubby out in his shop today so won't get much crafting done.


Our pipe from our oil tank to the burner froze yesterday, so we were without any heating or hot water for a few hours.  My brother got me a couple of plumbers who had to bore a few holes through our gable wall and connect a temporary pipe until the snow thaws and we can then track it through.  Lost some of our oil and when I phoned to order more they said in would be into the New Year.  Here's hoping we don't run out.  Not sure what the temperature is today but it was -11 yesterday.

My card for today I am entering into Friday Sketchers # 133.  I have made four of these cards and I am giving them to  my neighbours. 


Cardblank - Craftwork Cards
Cardstock - Paper Mill
Papers - Doodlebug
Ribbon from local craft shop
Gems - Mei Flower
Image - Stampavie
Coloured with Distress Inks
Stickles
Sentiment - Personal Impressions

I thought I would share a few more photos with you of our snow.  In one of my previous posts I showed a picture of my icicle at our front door.  Look at it now.

Hubby thinks these look like our very own set of outdoor lights.

On Monday my iron broke and I had to go and get a new one.  As the roads were so bad and I didn't fancy trying a car park,  I parked close to our local park, Anderson's Park.  I walked to Argos and then came back through the park with Hollie and took a few photos.

If I don't get back to do any more posts before Christmas  -
Wishing you all a very very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Keep Warm and Take Care.

Friday Sketchers # 132

Just a short post today as I don't seem to be getting any time for crafting or anything else at the minute.  Between Hollie's carol service, Shanon's parent interviews and taking her to and from work, more bookwork than usual for our shop as it is our busy time and trying to get back to normality after the snow and school closures.


I am entering my card into the challenge at Friday Sketchers # 132.  I have made six of these cards.  Started out to make four and then realised the pack of papers I was using had six of each design so decided to made six instead.  Really helping with the Christmas cards as I am so behind.

Cardblank - Craftwork Cards
Cardstock - Paper Mill
Papers - Papermania
Ribbon, Gems and Pearls - Mei Flower
Charm - Pink Gem
Woodware Punches
Sentiment - Inkadinkadoo
Stickles
Image - Stampavie
Coloured with Distress Inks

Sorry for the poor photograph but it was the best of the few I took. Thanks for popping by as I know everyone is busy at this time of year.  Hope you have all your Christmas cards made and are not like me.

Friday Sketchers # 131

I am entering this card into Friday Sketchers # 131.  Actually I made four of these yesterday.  I liked the look of the sketch but I found it really difficult to cut triangles for some reason, so the cards took longer than I expected.  Going to try and get another four made today, although I have our Girls Brigade Craft Fair tonight so will see how that goes.


Cardblank - Craftwork Cards
Patterned Papers - Echo Park
Cardstock - Paper Mill
Image - LOTV
Coloured with Distress Inks
Stickles (it was hubby who told me not to stickle all the tinsel, just add a few dabs here and there.  Not sure if I like that or not)
Sentiment - Personal Impressions
Gems  and Ribbon - Mei Flower
Martha Stewart Branch punch (can't really see these though)
Woodware Punch
Nestabilities

Shannon and Sophie's schools are closed today again but Hollie's is open.  Although I didn't send her as the roads are still not great.  Seems to be a slight thaw on and the sun is out but for how long as the forecast is giving it bad again from Sunday.  Just the one more photograph to share today.  Hubby told me to get my camera when he was defrosting the car.  This is our front window.  I stood in the middle of a hailstone shower to take this.  Must be getting mad but I don't think I have ever seen so many icicles.

Anyway hope you are all keeping warm and doing lots of crafting. Take Care.

Friday Sketchers # 129 and Papertake Weekly

Just a quick post from me today as I haven't had a lot of time for crafting recently.  Have finally got all my little bags, etc., made for GB for the craft fair, then I have had to do the vat for my father-in-law/husbands business and then my second daughter Sophie was 15 yesterday.  I made this card for her on Monday night and as I had so much other stuff to do was panicking in case I didn't get one made.  Now I think I can finally get some Christmas cards made, here's hoping.


Anyway I am entering my card into two challenges:-
Friday Sketchers - Follow Sketch
Papertake Weekly - Cut it out - Use punches (flowers) or nesties (Image frame), etc.


Was  just following the sketch for Friday Sketchers and it was only today when I was checking Papertake Weekly's challenge that I saw my card was suitable for it too. 

Cardblank - Craftwork Cards
Cardstock - Paper Mill
Patterned Paper - Pixie-Licious - Cosmo Cricket
Image - Mo Manning - Stampavie
Coloured with Distress Inks
Woodware Punches
Nestabilities
Sentiment - Free with magazine
Brads from stash

Thanks for popping by. Your comments are very much appreciated.

Cute Card Thursday # 138 and Friday Sketchers # 128

I stamped and coloured this image last Saturday night and only got the card finished last night but I am really pleased with it as it is a really cute image.


I am entering my card into two challenges -
Cute Card Thursday # 138 - Anything goes
Friday Sketchers # 128


Cardblank - Craftwork Cards
Cardstock - Paper Mill
Patterned Paper - Echo Park (Love these papers)
Woodware snowflake punch
Image - Stampavie
Coloured with Distress Inks
Stickles
Sentiment - Hero Arts
Pearls - Mei Flower

I haven't had much time for crafting this week as I have been busy making items for Girls Brigade for their craft fair in a few weeks time. I also went to the craft show in Belfast on Thursday.  This is my first time going to this one as I normally would only go in March/April time.  Anyway the first stand was Crafty Devils and I was looking for a couple of Martha Stewart edge puches (picket fence and zig zag).  I have seen these on some cards and really like them.  He was selling these punches for £9.50, the deep edge for £12.00 and around the page for £17.99.  Quite a few people were asking was this a misprint but he said he was in dispute with another exhibitor so he cut his prices.  At these prices I got a few more edger punches.  May not use them yet but at least they are on the shelf gathering dust with everything else. Got some ribbon, pearls/gems, foam tape and double sided tape.  Quite enjoyed it.  Also was the first time I went on my own as the girls were at school.


Thanks for popping by and I hope you have a good weekend.  Weather dry and sunny with a slight nip in the air today.  Not complaining as we had gale force winds and rain on Thursday evening. Hopefully get another card made over the weekend.

Friday Sketchers # 115 and Pollycraft Monday # 57

I started to make this card last night, although only got it finished today.  I have had this image for a couple of months now, but liked her so much, that I was scared to ink her up.  I thought the sketch at Friday Sketchers would be a good time to try her.
The card is for Friday Sketchers # 115 and Pollycraft Monday Challenge - Theme - Faux or Real Stitches.  I went for faux stitching, although my pen seemed to be running out of ink, so maybe the photograph won't detail it enough.
Cardblank - Craftwork Cards
Cardstock - Doodlebug and Die Cuts with a View
Patterned Paper - Doodlebug and Die Cuts with a View
Image -Sugar Nellie
Ribbon - Doodlebug
Coloured with Distress Inks
Ticket sentiments - Sizzix - Have had these for a few years and only used them once before
Faux stitching - Marvey Pen
Letters (with) from stash
When I had used these ticket sentiments before, I was able to change the letters to another colour.  It wouldn't work for me this time, so went over the words with a brush marker and changed them to black instead.

P.S. Didn't think I was going to get the photograph uploaded as blogger has changed how to do this and it took me a minute or two to figure  out the new format.
Thanks for popping by and I hope you are not having the rain and thunder that we are having.  Sunday was definitely a blip, as it actually felt like summer,  for one day anyway.

Friday Sketchers 114 and Papertake Weekly

Feeling strange after not crafting for a few days.  Everything I tried with this card, just didn't seem right.  I felt I needed to add a little more to the sketch.  After sorting and tidying my craft supplies, I realised I was about to run out of my herma glue, so this card is made with double sided tape and I don't think I will use it again for this, as I really need to lift and reposition a few times, before I am happy with it.  Hopefully, my glue will be here tomorrow. I was going to just make this card clean and simple with cardstock only but I didn't like it, so added patterned paper to the layer across the middle, then decided to add paper again between my circles.  Then decided to add little strips top and bottom to bring the card together.  These weren't in the sketch, so I hope it is ok to add these.  When I took the photograph of the card to put on the computer, I realised I hadn't added the stickles to the punched flowers.  When I did this, I then saw I hadn't added stickles to the flowers in her hair and hadn't finished colouring the grass, after I had changed it to a circle shape.   Normally I lift out all the supplies I need before I start but I was busy doing other things as well as this card and kept going back to it, so it was taking me longer and I wasn't really concentrating the way I should have been.  Anyway I got it finished in the end.
I am entering my card into Friday Sketchers 114 and Papertake Weekly. Their theme was something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.  You didn't have to use all of these if you didn't want to. My image was one of the first stamps I purchased when I started cardmaking - so something old.  The happy birthday stamp was free with a magazine and I hadn't inked it up - so something new. I have nothing borrowed on my card. I used the blue cardstock  for something blue.  Hope this fits the theme ok.

Cardstock - Die Cuts with a View and Doodlebug
Patterned Paper - My Minds Eye
Image - Sugar Nellie
Ice Stickles
Coloured with distress inks
Sentiment stamp - free with magazine
Crafts too - flower punch
Woodware - Tag punch
Ribbon from stash

I have noticed that my posts are not coming up on followers blogs or dashboards.  I am sorry about this and hopefully it has been sorted out.
Thanks for popping by and hope your are having a nice day.

Friday Sketchers 113 and Flutterby Wednesday 115

I made this card last night when I had a little free time.  Decided on my challenges and what image and papers I would use and sat for a while.  Just couldn't seem to get motivated as I was feeling very tired.  Anyway, I should craft more often when I am tired as I do like this card. I do prefer brighter colours and easier sketches.
Cardstock and Papers - Doodlebug
Image - Sugar Nellie
Coloured with Distress Inks and Papermania Watercolour Pencils (I only have one shade of green in the distress inks)
Sentiment - Pink Gem
Woodware Circle Punch
Tonic Studio - Butterfly Punch
I am entering this card into Friday Sketchers 113 and Flutterby Wednesday 115.  Thanks for popping by. Another wet day today, summer will arrive, when the girls are back at school, no doubt.

Friday sketchers 111 and Flutterby Wednesday 113

Here is a card that I have made following a sketch from Friday sketchers # 111 and for Flutterby Wednesday's # 113 which was to feature at least 3 layers and show either a fairy, angel or butterfly.  I went for the butterflies.
I have used a Sarah Kay image which I coloured with Distress Inks. I have been working at this card since Saturday, as I wasn't really happy with my previous two cards.  Anyway, I stamped and coloured the image on Saturday evening and so far so good, was pleased with it.  Assembled the layers and image onto the card on Sunday evening and couldn't think of a sentiment or something to finish the card off with.  Then I remembered that I had these peel-off butterflies.  I don't really like peel-offs that much, but thought they matched with the paper.  I backed them onto mulberry paper and bent their wings to make look more 3d than flat.  Left the card as felt it still needed something.  Funny how when you leave something and come back you get some ideas.  I remembered that I had matching peel-off borders in another box so added three of them to the card and attached the butterflies.  Made a sentiment from the computer and then thought this might do as a birthday card for my mum, as it is her birthday on Thursday.  Better do the inside then.  I had cut out a larger nestability to match the one I have stamped the image on, but it was too big, but it fits perfectly on the inside of the card.  It came together a lot quicker and I am quite pleased with this card. At last, I am happy with a card.
Cardstock - Die Cuts with View
Papers - My Minds Eye - (free with a magazine and these are really lovely)
Image - Sarah Kay
Coloured with Distress Inks
Peel -off Butterflies and borders
Computer generated sentiment
Nestabilities
Thanks for popping by and have a nice evening.  Donna

Papertake Weekly - In the Garden / Friday Sketchers 110

Sorry I haven't posted in a couple of days, but my daughter was having a few problems with the computer.  She wasn't able to access her MSN - instant messaging and we had all been trying to get it fixed.  Anyway, after uninstalling and re-installing a few times and changing passwords, etc., we finally got it working last night, much to her relief as she was getting very frustrated at not being able to use it for a few days and her sister wasn't to keen on her using her laptop.  Sisterly love.
Anyway,  I had no more sketches to follow, so did some searching and came across Friday Sketchers 110 and Papertake Weekly - In the Garden - Flowers, birds, trees, etc.  I thought I would try and make a card that could be used for both.  Have never tried this before so I am hoping it links ok and the card is ok for both. Went to link up and I am a bit annoyed now, as can't seem to link card to Friday Sketchers, must have been to late, so only going to enter into the one challenge now.  Tried again this afternoon over at Friday sketchers and Mr Linky was back, so have now entered the card and hope it will be ok.

Cardstock - Doodlebug
Ribbon? - From Stash
Patterned Paper - My Minds Eye - Free with a Magazine
Sentiment Stamp - Free with a Magazine
Butterflies - Tonic Studio Punches
Image - Sarah Kay
Coloured with Distress Inks

When my youngest daughter and I started crafting yesterday, my aunt and uncle called and my aunt asked is Hollie's card could be posted on my blog for her to see.  So her it is.  Will probably be the first of many now as she also followed the Friday Sketchers challenge and concentrated really hard on her colouring with Distress Inks.

Anyway, thanks for popping by and have a nice day, hope the weather is nice wherever you are, we still have lots of rain and it is quite cold.  Donna