Crafty Patch

ICS Challenge

2011-05-10T18:48:00.001+01:00

Good day to you all. What a week. First full week back at school for ages but only a couple of weeks and we get another week off. Yeah!! I must not complain as I had 2 days off last week with really bad headache and sickness but I am feeling much better now.
On to this weeks challenge at ICS we have another lovely sketch and a great prize too. My card is a combination of stamps that I have and have borrowed from fellow crafters.

ICS Challenge

2011-05-03T17:15:00.000+01:00

Good afternoon to you all in blog land. Where are the weeks going. They seem to be flying by, I am still confused as to the days having had another long weekend due to bank holidays. I will just get sorted and we will break up from school again for a weeks holiday. Never mind. Can I just thank everyone for entering my blog candy last week. If only I could have given you all a prize but unfortunately that would have been far to expensive for me. But can I congratulate Mags for winning it and it has been posted and will hopefully be with you in the next couple of days depending on Royal Mail.

Onto the challenge this week at ICS my card is very simple and not really sure it meets the sketch but that is the fun of using sketches will all look at them differently.

Sketch time at ICS

2011-04-28T19:18:00.000+01:00

Where did 2 weeks Easter holiday go. One day back and it doesn't feel like we have had a break. Only 3 days this week and 4 next week due to bank holidays and Royal Weddings.
This week we are back to normal at ICS and don't worry the winners of the various blog candy from both individuals and ICS will be announced later in the week.

Very simple and plain from me this week. I do have to confess I did leave it late due to being in holiday mode. Sorry...

Spring into ICSketches Blog Hop

2011-04-20T13:00:00.000+01:00

Welcome to our Spring into ICSketches Blog Hop!!

We are going to start off with the rules for our blog hop.

To be eligible for the prizes you must follow these rules.

1: Become a follower of ICSketches.

2: We'd also like to see what you can do with the sketch this week. Link us up using Mr. Linky. You have until Wednesday @ 11:59 pm (April 27th) to complete.

3: Be sure you visit each Designers blog and leave comments. Some will have prizes up for grabs.

Here's the order that you need to follow is:

Susie

An

Rebecca

Debra

Dawn

Jessica

Nicola (me) - Blog candy forone lucky winner for following me & ICS, you also need to leave a comment. I will then select a winning card and contact you to forward your candy. Good Luck..

Stacy

Jill ICSGD

Many of the DT have there own blog candy on offer and ICS also have a prize. All you have to do is follow the rules above to have a chance of winning.

Here is my card that I have made for this blog hop. I have used a digi image from our sponsor Robyns Fetish Digi Stamps. I have then combined it with stampin up ribbon, punches and stamps and also many other stamps in my collection.

My Blog Candy

Good luck to all.

Please remember to leave a comment on my blog and the ICS blog to qualify for blog candy and the prize on ICS.

Blog Hop at ICS!!!

2011-04-18T14:07:00.000+01:00

Watch this space. This week at ICS we are having a blog hop with lots of goodies on offer by ICS sponsors and individual DT members. All you have to do is follow the blogs and make a card using the sketch and finally leave comments. Easy....

Easter

2011-04-13T10:16:00.000+01:00

It maybe the school holidays for 2 weeks but I don't feel like I have stopped since we broke up. Holly is constantly wanting to do something or spend my money and time seems to going quickly.
This is a card I have created for the challenge this week at ICS. It is a digi image from our sponsors DZ Doodles and the image represented Easter hence the spring colours used.

Watch this space next week 20th April as we are going to be doing a blog hop and there will be lots of super prizes to be won. Many thanks for visiting my blog.

ICS sketch

2011-04-06T18:30:00.000+01:00

Where has this week gone it has flown by. Can't wait though as I have only 2 days left before having 2 weeks off. Well off from school but have the task of emptying out cupboards and re filling after having a new kitchen fitted during those 2 weeks. Sorry I haven't been very good recently at leaving comments but I am still having a nightmare in blogland with leaving comments and putting items both on my blog and the ICS DT blog. Hopefully it will get better.

Well on to this weeks card using the sketch at ICS. Please come over and join us.

Many thanks for taking a look and remember to take a look at ICS blog.

Spring is in the air

2011-03-29T19:16:00.000+01:00

Sorry no post last week what with work, catching up on home chores and having problems leaving posts and comments it just didn't happen. Not much better this week but have found a quick 5 minutes to post this weeks card for the ICS challenge. Please hop over and have ago at the sketch we are also looking for 2 new DT members.

This weeks card using a digi image from our sponsors Sweet n Sassy.

and

last weeks card

Many thanks for taking the time to look any comments would be lovely.

Follow your Heart

2011-03-19T10:30:00.000Z

I have been having big problems with my blog and not sure it has sorted itself out or not. Hence in the post is late... This was my card for this weeks Sketch at ICS.

I have tried paper piecing again and enjoyed making this card.

Bliss

2011-03-08T20:38:00.000Z

Another week has gone by and since going full time at school everyday seems to roll into one. Hence the delay to putting cards on blog and comments onto blogs. Sorry!! Onto this weeks challenge at ICS we have a great sketch and again we were provide with a digital image to use from our sponsors The Pixie Cottage. Have also added some stamped images from my new stampin up set.

Attitude Rocks...

2011-03-01T21:21:00.001Z

Where did half term go to. It flew past for me. Although I have to say I am recovering from a trip to Cadbury's World (Monday). They give you many freebies whilst visiting but I have to say I love chocolate but the smell of chocolate all day made me feel ill, so I brought my stash home and still haven't touched them.... On the other hand Holly and her friends demolished any chocolate given to them in seconds. Surprised they weren't sick on the way home!

On to this weeks card for ICS. We have been sponsored by Digi's with Attidue. I really loved the images they sent us to play with. The one I used was based on Britney Spears.

Holly my daughter has also been busy and has made a card which she has posted on her blog and below here. She would love your comments as she is only just starting out.

Many thanks for all your lovely comments

so tweet...

2011-02-23T14:20:00.001Z

Yes it half term and have a whole week off with my daughter moaning she is bored. Unfortunatley the weather is horrible so unable to do some of things we planned. On to this weeks challenge at ICS. We have another great sketch and sponsor Fresh Brewed Designs who provided us with the great digi images.

We were asked to create an easel card as well using the sketch this week.

Giraffe

2011-02-17T17:16:00.000Z

Another week has passed by and what with extra hours at work I never got the chance to put my card on for this weeks sketch at ICS. On count down now, just tomorrow at school and a week off. Yeah!!!!

We had some great digi images from our sponsor this week digi doodles shop. Many thanks for taking the time to have a look at my card.

A Helping Hand

2011-02-08T16:35:00.002Z

This card started life at a coffee morning... Well crafty / coffee morning at my friend Fleurs. I stamped this image and then started colouring it in using her distress inks. I fancied a change to my promarkers. I was quiet pleased with the result so decided to use it for this weeks challenge at ICS.

I have changed the sketch a bit by putting the flowers at the back rather than the front, but I think I have stuck to the sketch. I also decided not to do a flat card but go a bit 3D so have folded the card to match the different rectangles. (not sure the picture shows this!!)

Thank you Fleur for allowing me to have a play with your craft stash.
Can't wait to see your creations this week.

I would like to enter for the following challenges too.
Whiff of Joy - Love is in the air
Bunny Zoes Blog Challenge - Love is in the air
Simon Says Challenge - Love is in the air
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Have a Heart
Crafty Calendar Challenge - Love
Allsorts - Love Love Love

A Little Cow

2011-02-01T20:09:00.000Z

Oh my where has January gone!! I can't believe we are already in February. Well here is my card for ICS this week and our sponsors Soft Pencil digi stamps. This cute image is great for childrens birthdays or new baby card as I have used it.

I have used: Soft Pencils digi image

Promarkers

Papers not sure as were given to me

Others bits are from craft stash

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my card and please feel free to visit the other DT cards or even enter a card at ICS.

A little bit of Love!!!

2011-01-25T23:44:00.001Z

I know it is early but I have made my valentines card for hubby. Firstly because it was a image sent to use for the ICS DT for this weeks challenge and secondly if I don't make it now he may not get one!!

I have used scrap papers to make the flowers and used as the background paper too. The image is a digi one from DZ Doodles our sponsers this week at ICS.

I have entered for the following challenge:
Craft your day away

Fairytale

2011-01-18T16:50:00.000Z

Another week has passed by and so very quickly. This is my first time at paper piecing. Have seen many people try it so thought I would have ago I am quiet pleased with the result too. I have used a sketch from ICS and a Sassy Studio digi image

I have decided to enter this card for the following challenges too:
Polly Craft Challenge
Stamp in for the weekend
Cute card Thursday
Allsorts Challenge

Thank you for looking

Scrap papers

2011-01-17T11:17:00.004Z

Good morning to you all. A little dull and foggy here today. This card / tag was inspired by Jules who has given herself the challenge to use up scrap pieces of paper on her cards. So I set about making this card with that in mind. I only used scrap paper that I have in a box on my desk and some wrapping paper that I saved from a present I had back in November. This card and envelope were made for my niece's daughter for her 13th birthday. She loves to cook so decided as part of her present I would do up a bowl with ingredients in for her to make a sponge pudding (unfortunately forgot to take phot of present!!) but her is the card.

Many thanks for taking a look.

Penny Black Challenge
Craft your days away

Smile....

2011-01-10T16:00:00.002Z

Here we are again with another exciting challenge from ICS this week. We have a great sponsor too Robin Fetish digi stamps. Hope you are all settling back down after the christmas break I seem to be finding it really hard to get back into any routine, hopefully this won't take too long!!!

This is the sketch for you to use.

Digi Image from Robin Fetish digi stamps

Coloured using watercolour pencils

Wrapping paper from birthday present which I loved so much I kept it to use (thanks Fleur)

ribbon and buttons from my stash

First Card of the year

2011-01-04T18:36:00.000Z

Happy New Year to you all and hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year. Back to work tomorrow..... Never mind though I can't complain as I do get a lot of holidays. (joys of working at a school) This card is for ICS and their challenge this week. We now have a sketch and colour theme to follow and I have used a digi image provided by our sponsor this week Patties Creations.

I have turned the sketch and added a few little extras.

Happy crafting and hope you join us at ICS.

DT Call

2010-12-15T18:14:00.000Z

Hello to you all and thank you for your lovely comments from last week. Last week at school as we break up for Christmas on Friday Yeah!!! Can't wait then I am back to normal only working half days when we return next year..

On to this weeks challenge at ICS as you can see from the title we are looking for some new DT members to join us in the new year. Please take at look at the ICS blog. I am really enjoying my time on the team.

Merry Christmas to you all and Happy New Year.

Happy Birthday Holly ..

2010-12-07T21:36:00.000Z

I really am getting fed up with the snow and the cold weather. I really don't like it and much prefer it when it is warmer. A change this week a a card I made for Holly's birthday which was on the 5th Dec. I can't believe that she is 8yrs old. Where has that time gone. I have used the sketch at ICS this week as my basis for my card. Please pop over and have ago at their sketch if you have the time.

I have used:

Penny Black Stamp - Never mind Shelty

Stampin up - Mini Sentiments

Kelly Panacci - Faux Stitches

Promarkers

Hero Arts Flowers

Unfortunately today for our family we had some bad news. My husbands father died this afternoon so please forgive me if I do not comment on your cards this week.

Let it snow ...

2010-11-30T16:58:00.000Z

Well we have a little snow now well actually about an couple of inches or so. Holly not to happy as making her walk the mile to school and home again, as I refuse to drive as the roads are not clear. The exercise will do us both good although it is very cold. On to this weeks challenge at ICS this week. We have another great sketch.

I have used:

Tilda Magnolia Stamp

Christmas Circle stamp

Woodworks - Leaf punch

Martha Stewart - Doily Lace punch

Embossing folder

Stickles

Promarkers

O Christmas Tree

2010-11-24T21:31:00.000Z

Hope all is well with everyone in blogland. Time for me seems to be flying past far too quickly and I am so disorganised and so unprepared for Christmas this year. This christmas number was created for this weeks ICS challenge. Our sponsors are DZ Doodles and the image I used is one of their digi images which I just fell in love with for its simplicity.

I used:

Digi image - DZ Doodles

Kelly Panacci - Faux Stitches

Stickles

ICS challenge..

2010-11-18T22:09:00.000Z

I am so sorry this post is late but have big problems with internet provider messing up hence they cancelled our internet. This happened on Sunday and only just got it back!!! (After a several long calls to them) My post for the ICS challenge this week.

I used:

Penny Black stamp

Stampin Up - Sentiments

The Greeting Farm - Whimsical wishes

Tattered Florals - Tim Holtz

Promarkers

Christmas !!!

2010-11-09T11:00:00.001Z

I am so unprepared for Christmas this year. Unfortunately everything seems to be snowballing this week, where to begin. I am working full time until Christmas so have very little time to craft due to commitments at home taking priority.To top that Nicks dads has been put into rest bite for a week but we still seem to be called upon from his mother (when will it end!!). This week (today) would have been our little girl Ashleigh's 3rd birthday so emotions are all over the place as well. So please except my apologies if I don't get the opportunity to look and leave comments on your blogs for a while...

Now onto this weeks challenge at ICS we have a sketch to follow this week. Please come and join us.

I have used: Stampin up - Winter Post Stamp

Sizzix dies - tag, lilly of the valley leaf & holly

Scrap papers & recycled ribbon

Many thanks for taking the time to look.

For Something Different...

2010-11-02T16:00:00.001Z

Well another week has passed by and this week at ICS we have been asked to make a box using one of the templates from our sponsor DZ Doodles. Something different for me as have never made one!!! I found this a bit of a challenge just trying to print out and assemble.... but got there in the end.

I have used lots of punches for this box they include: Martha Stewart - Doily Lace,

Stampin Up - Mini tag & bird & finally EK Success - Photo Corners.

Stampin Up - Sentiment stamp

Whiff of Joy - Swirl stamp

Not a bad attempt after it took so long to make and think of how to decorate.

Flamingo!!

2010-10-28T09:34:00.000+01:00

Well school half term is nearly over and all I have done is decorating Holly's bedroom. (Pink just like my card!!)Not sure why but when I saw this image it just had to be lots of pink!!! Not really my style but you have to move out of you comfort zone a little. Loved making the flowers and so easy to do using a flower punch, brad and water!!

I have used:

Digi Image - Fresh Brewed Designs

Stmpin up - Word

The Greeting Farm - Whimsical words

Woodware - Flower Punch

Marianne Design - Creatable (flower)die

Promarkers

Thank you for looking at my card.

Magic Mushrooms

2010-10-19T18:06:00.001+01:00

Thought I would have a little bit of fun this week with the digi image provided by our sponsors at ICS. I printed this image out 3 times then coloured and layered it up. (although this doesn't really show in the photo) I thought as it was autumn and I have seen alot of mushrooms and toadstools about I would give the image a bit of an autumn feel with the colours.

I have used:

Digi image- Fresh Brewed Designs

Kelly Panacci - Faux stitches

Whiff of Joy - Swirl

Stampin up - Mini Tag & Word Stamp

Promarkers to colour

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my card.

We Three Kings....

2010-10-13T09:59:00.000+01:00

I have made my first christmas card thanks to the challenge this week at Allsorts, which is song titles. My title is We Three Kings. The stamp I have used has been in my collection a long time in fact one of the first I brought!!!
I have also entered for the following challenges Inky Impressions - Anything Goes and Ellephantastic - Anything goes.

Receipe: Rubbadubbadoo - Bethlehem Stamp Set

Stamp away - Sentiment

Whiff of Joy - Swirl

Paper Mill - Christmas Tree & Sentiment

My Minds Eye- Christmas Paper

Sizzix - Meduim Layer Flower (shrunk on shrink plastic)

Stickles - Lime Green

Promarkers

Thank you for taking time to look at my card.

An Autumn card

2010-10-12T17:26:00.000+01:00

Well another week has passed by and I can annouce that I made the top 5 last week on the allsorts challenge I can't believe it. Onto to this weeks sketch for ICS. I have created the following card with one of my favourite stamp companies at the moment The Greeting Farm. As it is now autumn the colours have inspired this card along with the annual pumpkin parade in Spalding!! (it is to celebrate the harvest of the pumpkins which apparently Spalding is the biggest grower of in Europe...)

The Greeting Farm - Oliver & Amelia on a Journey stamp and sentiments

Inkadinkadoo -All Hallows Eve stamp set

Kelly Panacci - Faux stitches

My Minds Eye - Paper

Promarkers

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my card.

Allsorts Challenge Travel

2010-10-05T17:25:00.000+01:00

This week I have decided to have ago at a challenge as the card I had made for this weeks ICS Challenge fitted in with Allsorts challenge too.

The Greeting Farm - Oliver & Amelia On a Journey

Stampin Up - Winter Post & Fabulous Phrases

Kelly Panacci - Faux Stitches

K& Company - Life's Journey paper

Promarkers

Many thanks for all your lovely messages.

ICS Challenge

2010-09-29T16:11:00.000+01:00

What a hectic week so far. Father in law has been rushed into hospital with rapid dementia and seizures. We have been in out of hospital for the last 4 weeks but finally they have admitted him to a ward. Work is a nightmare the child I look after at school has come back to school this year like the devil child. ( I am sure I will be hitting the bottle soon!!!) And finally I am having to do all the homework with Holly and things round the house due to husband flitting to and fro from the hospital. So hence the lack of cards on my blog recently. Hopefully all will sort itself out soon.
On to my card this week for ICS challenge. Please take a look at my other DT members cards.

I have used:

Stamp - Sugar Nellie Manga Girl # 2 and The Greeting Farm - Butterfly Wishes (sentiments)

Promarkers to colour
Scrap paper and Linen Thread.

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my card.

Christening Card

2010-09-21T16:30:00.001+01:00

We've been invited to our nephews daughters christening so I thought I would take the opportunity to use the sketch this week at ICS to make her card.

I have used:

LOTV stamp - Baby blanket, Whiff of joy - swirl, Stampin Up - Smal script & Fabulous phrases

Martha Stewart - Doily Lace punch & Sizzix - Bunting Die (a bit of the ends to make flags)

Promarkers to colour

Rub on's for the name on flags

Many thanks for taking the time to look at my card.

Dressing Up .....

2010-09-17T10:00:00.003+01:00

What a windy day I think autumn is definately here. Most of Holly's apples have been blown off her apple tree today and those that haven't I picked off before they got bruised and battered. Her tree was laiden with apples this year the most I have seen since she received it as a christening present back in 2003.

On to my card for today. This is the card that I made for Holly's school friend Mackenzie for her 8th Birthday. I used the sketch from ICS this week as my inspiration.

(Inside of card)

I have used the following:

Lili of the Valley Stamp - New Hat, Stampin Up - Fabulous Phrases &

Whimsical Words, My Minds Eye - Swirl, Whiff of Joy - Swirl

& Kelly Panacci - Stitches

Bazzil & scrap paper from stash

Promarkers to colour & Versa Cube - Pinecone

Thank you for taking the time to look at my card.

Close your eyes, make a wish & blow !!

2010-09-14T17:09:00.000+01:00

This is my card for the ICS challenge this week. I had a bit of a diseaster as I read my email wrong and the image I used below had been printed out for next weeks challenge not this week. Ooops!! So I had to hurry and make this card before my deadline. That will teach me not to read my emails properly. I thought it was only fair to use the image provided by the sponsor as they were sponsoring us too and not one I already had. Then whilst under pressure the following words came into my head "Close your eyes, make a wish & blow!!" This was a memory from my past (well not that long ago) of what I do when I pick a dandelion seed head. So with out further or do here is my card sponsored by In Style stamps

The Sketch

I used: Digi image - In style stamps & My Minds Eye - Dandelion stamp

Scrap paper, hessian from stash

Woodware punch - flowers 2 sizes

Promarkers to colour

Own sentiment

Thank you for taking the time to browse.

Monster Party

2010-09-13T19:00:00.000+01:00

What a wet start to the week. I do hate it this time of year when it rains. I have created this card for a friends son who was nine on Sunday. Now he can be a little monster hence why I thought this card would suit him. I am also entering it for the Squiggles Challenge where you can do anything as long as you use one of their stamps.

I have used: Squiggles stamp - Monster boy, Stampin up - Fabulous Phrases,

My Minds Eye - Swirl, Kelly Panacci - Stitches & Catslife Press - circle stamp
Stampin up - Papers & Bazzil
Alittle shrink plastic & watercolour pencils to colour image.

Many thaks for taking the time to look at my card.

Sassy Pirate

2010-09-07T17:28:00.000+01:00

Well thats the school holidays over with and back to the normal routine again. It doesn't feel like we have just had 6 weeks off it has flowen by....
The card below was created using the Inspirational Card Sketch for this week and using a digi image from our sponsors this week Sassy Studio Designs.

I have used: Sassy Studio Design - Pirate Penny digi image, My Minds Eye - Wild Asparagus
quilt look stamp,& Stampin Up - Whimsical Words stamp set

Woodware - Leaf punch, Stampin Up - Branch punch & Marianne Design - Creatable (flower)die

Pages from old dictionary & scrap paper

Promarkers to colour image & Tim Holtz - Distress Inks for edges

Stampin Up - Ribbon, Linen thread - stitches

Thank you for looking

All things Bright & Wonderful!!!

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

Well as the holiday draw to an end I thought I would make a bright card. I have used the ICS sketch for this card please come & join in the fun we would love to see your creations. So here is my card.

I have used:

LOTV - Fairies on tiptoe stamp, Kelly Panacci - stitching, Stampin up - Sentiment & Whiff of joy - Swirl

Papers ???

Promarkers to colour image

Nestabilitie - Labels 2

Stitching using -linen thread

Thank you for looking

Life is full of Ups & Downs ...

2010-08-25T09:00:00.002+01:00

Where is the time going the summer holidays are nearly over!!! Really need to start sorting Holly out ready to go back to school. Yes I always leave it to the last minute. (Have purchased new shoes...) Well here is my take on this weeks sketch at icsketches.

I have used the following:

Stamp - Sugar Nellie Manga Girl # 2,The Greeting Farm - Whimsical Wishes (sentiment)

Papers are from stash

Coloured using Promarkers

Flower - star punch from Stampin Up (several layers damped paper and scrunched)

Thank you for taking the time to look.

One of a kind!!!

2010-08-20T10:15:00.002+01:00

I have created this card for my father in law's birthday. Unfortunately he is losing the plot big time at the moment and is starting to forget family and those close to him - 3 sons and daughter. (he thinks they are the hired help - gardeners and drivers!!!). Yes it's sad but what do you do he's well into his 80's now. Anyway less of the doom and gloom on to my card, which was created using the sketch at Papertake weekly challenge. I really enjoy using sketches at the moment.

I have used the following:

Penny Black Slap stick cling - Fly away, Stampin up - Sentiment & Kelly Panacci - Faux stitching

Cosmo Cricket - Earth Love paper & kraft paper to make label

Promarker to colour

Thank you for visiting my blog.

ICS Sketch

2010-08-17T21:14:00.000+01:00

Well holidays are fast disappearing and it will soon be time to start sorting bits ready to go back to school. This week ICS have been using digi images from Meljen's Designs there are some fab digi images so why not check the site out.

I have used: Meljen's Design - digi image & The Greeting Farm - Butterfly Wishes (sentiment)

& Kelly Panacci - Faux stitching

Rusty Pickles - Buttons

Promarkers for colouring image

Thanks for looking

Allsorts Challenge and DT opportunity

2010-08-13T22:30:00.001+01:00

Wow what a great site and great opportunity to become a DT member for the Allsorts Penny Black DT. So with that in mind I have created the following card.

I used:

Penny Black stamp - Ginger, Stampin Up - Sentiment, My Minds Eye - Flower/ swirl and Small detail

Papers - Bazzill and Stampin up

Punches - Stampin up(sentiment), Woodware - flower punch, Woodware - leaf and nesties

Hero art flower used with woodware flowers
Coloured using promarkers

Very fine glitter (unfortunately it doesn't show on photo but I certainly sparkled for a few days after!!)

Gems,button and brad from stash.

Many thanks for taking the time to have a look at my card.

Anniversary card - Great Catch!!

2010-08-11T08:50:00.000+01:00

Here we are again with another fab sketch from ICS. I am just loving my time on their DT. In fact it is so much easier to make cards from a sketch don't know why I didn't try it sooner.

I have turned the sketch around only because the images just didn't look right this way round. But this is part of the fun when using a sketch.

I used: The Greeting Farm - Image & Sentiment Rock the farm set

Kelly Panacci - Faux stitching and backgrounds are Paper Artsy.

Promarkers for colouring in image

Distress Inks for doing the coloured backgrounds

Others bits & bobs are from my stash.

Thank you for looking

A Birthday Wish

2010-08-03T21:16:00.000+01:00

This is my first card for ICSketches Design Team, every week there will be a new sketch to follow so please come and join in the fun. Holly is still driving me mad and we have had 1 week of school holidays not sure how we are going to get on for the remainder of the holiday. It's trying to find something to occupy her all the time and I think she finds it hard not to have the same routine everyday like she has at school. Anyway on to this weeks sketch and my take on the sketch...

I used: Penny Black SlapStick Cling Stamp - Fly Away Stampin up - Small script & Clear Stamps - Postcard Stamp

Papers are bazzil & kraft card from stampin up

Promarkers to colour

Thank you for taking the time to have a look.

I did !!!

2010-07-28T23:27:00.000+01:00

I still can't believe it yes I'm still in a state of shock!!! I have been selected to be part of the ICSketches Design Team. I would like to thank Dawn at ICSketches and take this opportunity to introduce the other new DT members Heather - Meredith & Stacy congrats to you too.

Nicky :0)

Saucy ....

2010-07-27T20:41:00.003+01:00

I just love this digi image kindly offered to me by a friend as I didn't have any idea what to do for a 40th male birthday card. Not sure what else to say but take a look .....

Card Receipe:

Digi Image kindly donated, Sentiment freebie & Circular Sentiment - Cats Life Press

Papers - Cappella Sonata & Rusty Pickles / White Chocolate Bunny

Promarkers to colour image

Many thanks for looking.

Nicky xx

My Little Pony

2010-07-26T08:09:00.000+01:00

Well only a few days into the school holiday and yes Holly is already bored. In fact we only had a few hours on the first day of the holidays before she started, only another 6 weeks!!!! I have made this card for my niece who like Holly loves horses. I am entering for the Cute Card Thursday challenge blog this week they have a great sketch to follow and Allsorts Penny Black Challenge which is a burst of colour.

I used the following to make the card:

Penny Black Stamp - Minding Shelty, The Greeting Farm - Whimsical Greetings Set,

Kelly Panacci - Stitches

Basic Grey Papers -Origins

Stampin up - Ribbon, Tim Holtz - Tattered Florals Die, Sizzix - Tag

Paper Flowers - Hero Arts

Thank you for taking the time to look at my card. Nicky xx

DT call

2010-07-20T14:25:00.000+01:00

Only one more day at school and then it's 6 weeks holiday. My husband thinks my job is great all this holiday, but I have to remind him I still have Holly to look after so my 1-2-1 Teaching assistant job is no different when I'm on holiday to when I am at work!!!

This is my card for the ICS DT call. They have some great sketches to follow and their blog and DT work are very inspiring. You have to follow a sketch which can be found using the above link, choose another sketch to follow and select your favourite card from your own blog. You only have until the 24th July to enter.

This is the same card but decided to add sentiment as I am using for a christening card.

Card Receipe:

Rabbit Stamp - Not sure who by,My Minds Eye - Script background & swirl

Stampin up - Hodgepodge hardware

Bazzill & Crate paper - Sweet Branch Collection 'Spendid'

Friskar - Corner punch

Promarkers to colour

Thank you for taking the time to look.

Nicky xx

Anything Goes!!!!

2010-07-16T21:34:00.000+01:00

Well what a change in weather. The wind is blowing here today and will certainly blow away the cobwebs!!! I've decided to create a card that can be combined for 3 challenges this week. The first is for Inspirational Card Sketches here they give you a sketch to follow which I find helps me. (They are also running a DT call at the moment too) Second is for The Stamp Man fortnightly challenge a new blog challenge their theme is "Anything Goes". and finally the For Fun Challenges which is to use any meduim to colour with.

Card Receipe:

Digi Image - Not sure where image came from,Stampin up - Sentiments,
Whiff of Joy - Swirl, Kelly Panacci - Stitches

Cosmo Cricket Paper - Schools Out - More Fish in the Sea

Coloured using Distress Inks (Tim Holtz)

Thank you so much for taking the time to view my card. Nicky xx

Teacher's Card

2010-07-13T19:26:00.000+01:00

Well what a wet and horrible day, a bit of a contrast to last weeks weather!! Me I am on count down ready to break up for the summer holidays. Only 6 days left at work and approx 7 weeks holiday...... Have made this card today for Holly's teacher, I know I have left it late but if you know me that is usual. I'm going to enter for the following challenges as well Squiggles whose theme is Swirls, stitches & scallops set by Lou and Cute Card Thursday whose theme is school's out for summer!!

Card Reciepe:

Miss Evie - Squiggles digi stamp, Kelly Panacci - Stitches, My Minds Eye - Swirl,

Studio g - Alphabet stamps & Stampin up Sentiment.

Stampin up - Scallop Punch, Stampin up - Paper edge punch & Woodware - Circle punch.

Promarkers, Versa cubes, Cork, Tim Holz paper clip, page from old dictionary & kraft card - scrap card.

Thank you for taking the time to look. Nicky xx

A bit of a flutterby ... butterfly

2010-07-09T09:55:00.001+01:00

What another lovley week. Have spent Wednesday afternoon watching Holly in her sports day. She did really well getting to 1st's and a 2nd. With all this sunshine around I found myself making a card with a bit of a summer feel to it.

Card Receipe
The Greeting Farm Stamps - Butterfly Wishes. Kelly Panacci - Stitching stamp. Bazzill & Daisy Bucket - Perfect Harmony papers.

I just love all The Greeting Farm stamps they just adorable and one of my favourite at the moment. This card will be winging it's way to Sir Stampalot. Hugs Nicky xx

Just Magnolia Challenge

2010-06-30T11:05:00.000+01:00

What another lovely day... How much longer can this lovely weather last for!! Well eventually got round to finishing a card I started at Sir Stampalot with Louise whilst she was doing a demo for copics. Then found a great challenge to enter it for at Just Magnolia a lovely sketch by Bev.

I have used the following to creat this card: Tilda with bunch of Lilacs, My Minds Eye Swirl, The Greeting Farm Sentiment - Butterfly Wishes, My Minds Eye papers, Woodware flower punches and finally a Tim Holtz mini Paper Clip.

Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts Nicky xx

Love over the Wall !!!

2010-06-28T10:05:00.000+01:00

I borrowed this lovely stamp from my crafting buddy Fleur and thought it would make a lovely Anniversary Card. Was just a quick (15min) put together for a family anniversary card so not really added much to it. If I had a little more time would have added more little bits of detail. (sentiment etc...)

Stamps:

LOTV - On the Garden Wall

Whiff of Joy - Heart Swirl

Other Bits:

Nesties - Labels 3

Friskar - Oval

Papers- My Minds Eye

Wtercolour Pencils to Colour image

Happy crafting Nicky xx

A Friends Birthday

2010-06-25T21:54:00.000+01:00

This card has been made for my friend Fleurs husband Darren. I find it really hard to make cards for men as I don't have many stamps and for some reason it always feels harder to do!!! ( I think you know what I mean!) Anyway over at Cute Card Thursday there challenge this week is to reuse - renew - recycle. So I have recycled some garden thread from my husbands greenhouse and a button from an old shirt.

Stamps:

LOTV - Hangin Around

Lavinia Stamps - Tree

Kelly Panacci - Stitching

Whiff of Joy - Swirl

Woodware - Circular sentiment

Other Bits:

Paper - My Minds Eye

Linen Garden Thread & Button from old shirt

Coloured using Promarkers

Happy crafting Nicky xx

Allsorts Challenge

2010-06-22T19:22:00.000+01:00

This card has been created for the Allsorts Challenge. This week they have a sketch to follow. Really enjoyed putting this card together.

Receipe:

Stamps

The Greeting Farm - Hope & Grace set

Hero Arts - Big flower pattern

Kelly Panacci - Stitching

Papers

Cosmo Cricket - Brunch Early Bird

Bazzill

Coloured

Distress inks

Thank you for looking. Nicky xx

Fathers Day

2010-06-21T09:49:00.000+01:00

This card was made by myself and a little help from Holly. We have worked together to create a card for her dad for Fathers Day. I really like the sentiment and how true this is !!!!

Stamps:

The Greeting Farm - Hello Ian & Ruby

Hero Arts - Circular Sentiment

Sentiment - Catslife Press

Lavinia Stamps - Tree

Magnolia - Fence

My Minds Eye - Dandelion's

Kelly Panacci - Stitching

Other Bits:

Nesties - Labels 1

Paper - Bazzil

Paper - Kraft (Stampin up)

Promarkers

Thank you for looking. Nicky xxx

Squiggles Birthday Challenge

2010-06-17T17:18:00.000+01:00

I just couldn't wait to use my new purchases from squiggles stamps so thought the challenge would be a good time. I just love their stamps and in particular this one (Daisy with Balloon) which was one of many purchases this week. Papers are from a previous challenge that I won and decided to use some linen thread for the cord on the balloon. Just love the new stamps and as always love the DT cards.

Receipe:

Squiggles Stamp - Daisy with Balloon - Sentiment & Flower

Whiff of Joy - Swirl

Rusty Pickles - White Chocolate Bunnies Paper

Kraft card & other paper are from scrap box

Martha Stewart Punch - Doily Lace

Gisela Graham - Ribbon

Rusty Pickles - Buttons

Linen Thread

Promarkers to colour image

Can't wait to try my other new purchases, hopefully not too long a wait!! Nicky xx

Mum & Dad's Anniversary

2010-06-14T19:49:00.000+01:00

Just love this image. So quirky and really apt for an anniversary card. Fleur allowed me to borrow this stamp to make this card. I decided to go for a bit of an aged look seeing as my parents have been married a while now (over 40years).

Stamps:

Mo Manning - Jack & Ginger

Swirl - My Minds Eye

Catslife Press - Circle Sentiment

Stampin up - Sentiment

Other Bits:

Martha Stewart - Doily lace punch

Woodware - Flower punches

Linene thread

Paper from stash

Tim Holtz distress inks - Antique Linen

Promarkers to colour image

Thanks for looking Nicky xx

A tag and card.....

2010-05-26T09:27:00.007+01:00

First time with this lovely Greeting Farm image. So had a little play made a card and a tag. Used totally different colours just to see how she looked. Good excuse to have ago at using my sewing machine which had to have the dust blown off it!! Yesterday was great lots of chilling - chat with friends, coffee & some crafting!!! Thought would enter for the following challenge: Allsorts & Passion for Promarkers

Receipe:
Handmade Tag
Stamp - The Greeting Farm - Happy Days Stamp Set & My Minds Eye - Swirl.
Papers - Basic Grey -Origins
Sizzix - Flower Layer Set ( 656062)
Ribbon from stash & coloured using watercolour pencils & button

Receipe
Card
Stamp - The Greeting Farm - Happy Days Stamp Set & Woodware clear sentiments stamp set
Papers - Imaginisce - Snowy Jo Tinsel to the top
Nesties - Ovals
Martha Stewart - Doily Lace punch
Tim Holtz - Mini Paper clip
Coloured using promarkers

Most of the products are brought from my favourite craft store Sir Stampalot

Thank you for looking. Nicky xxx

Cupcake Challenge

2010-05-21T10:55:00.000+01:00

Thought this card might fit the Cupcake Challenge .... blooms and charms. A bit of a trial card - it folds out with the image on the inside and just peeking through the flower cut out. Think it works!!!

Receipe

Stamps - The Greeting Farm (Happy Days) - Kelly Panacci (faux stitching) - Whiff of Joy (swirls)

Nestabilites - Big scalloped circle lg

Papers - Basic Grey (6x6 origins)

Woodware Punches - Leaf

EK Success - small tag punch

Promarkers

Stash - Charm - Brown linen thread - Crystal stickers cluster gems

Most of the products can be purchased from Sir Stampalot. Happy crafting. Nicky xx

Allsorts Birthday

2010-05-18T10:45:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday to you all at Allsorts Challenge. Great challenge this week and have already forwarded my answer to Brenda and here is my card which I had made for Holly friends birthday on Saturday. Unfortunately Holly didn't make the party due to conjuntivitus.

Receipe:
Stamp- Magnolia Fairytale (Tilda With Jolly Roger Flag ) - Prima go green concepts stamp (postcard) - Rubbadubbadoo (coastal summer & at the beach)
Promarkers
Cuttlebug - Embossing plate Numbers
Papers from scrap box
Page out of old dictionary

Thank you for looking. Nicky xx

It's all about chat and a little sparkle!!

2010-05-17T16:15:00.000+01:00

This card was inspired by several challenges this week. Creative Card Crew (sketch)- Squiggles Stamp Challenge(to use kraft) & Papertake weekly challenge (Sparkle). All very good challenges in their own rights but great when you combine more than one.

Receipe:
Sketch - Creative card crew
Stamps - Squiggles (Chatty Girl) - Whiff of Joy (swirls) - Kelly Panacci (faux stitching)
Papers- From scrap box
Promarkers
Punches - Woodworks flowers
Gems - from stash
Page form old dictionary

Thanks for the challenges. Nicky xx

Blossom & Butterflies...

2010-05-15T22:34:00.000+01:00

I have made this card for the Sir Stampalot challenge blossom & butterflies. Have included a fairy as well as she is new and felt she fitted in with my design. I have just purchased some promarkers to have a play with, quiet like the effect but need to practise but not a bad first attempt me thinks.... This was my second attempt at the bottom part of the card as I didn't like it and my husband said it was to fussy. So simplfied it in the end.

I used:

Stamps - Liliy of the Valley - Fairies on tiptoes, Whiff of Joy - Swirls (spring 2009 kit), My Minds Eye - Swirls, Dovecraft - Solid butterfly with swirl

Promarkers - Lavender, Lilac, Amethyst, Slate, Caramel, Sandstone, Buttercup, Moss & Pear Green

Nestabilities - Big Scallop Circle Lg

Woodcraft - Mini butterfly punch

Papers from stash and scrap box

Linen thread and button from stash

Happy crafting and thank you for visiting. Nicky xx

The 3 Little Pigs!!!

2010-05-14T12:05:00.001+01:00

Blew the dust off this stamp. Haven't used for a little while so thought I would have a go with it again.

I used:

Stamps - Whipper Snapper - Piggy back, Kelly Panacci - Faux stitching & Stampin up - Whimsical Words.

Sizzix Dies - Flower Layers set & Decorative Accent W/ Flowers ( I used this for the swirl but cut it up into smaller pieces).

Nestabilities - Label 1

Papers - Papermania - Springtime, Stampin up - Pink dots & others are from my stash and scrap box.

I have entered for the For Fun Challenges

Thank you for looking Nicky xx

It's My Party!!

2010-05-11T18:55:00.001+01:00

Decided to have a play with my new squiggle stamps which I won. To create a birthday card for my friends daughter. Very girlie and pink I thought, not too sure whether I have over done the pink though..... I was inspired by the papers which my good friend Crafty Lou gave to me. (thanks Lou)

Card Receipe

Stamps

Squiggles Stamp - Gifts Calore

Kelly Panacci - Border Stamps (stitching)

Stampin up - Whimsical Words

My Minds Eye - Swirl

Punches

Woodware - Retro Flower Punches

Nestabilities - Big Scalloped Circle Lg

Stampin up - Scallop circle punch

Misc

Watercolour pencils to colour image

Brad from stash

Versa cube pinecone to edge

Versa cube opera pink

Happy crafting. Nicky xxx

Whiff of Joy Challenge

2010-05-09T18:00:00.002+01:00

What a great sketch they have provided at Whiff of Joy Challenge. Have had the image below for a little while and thought this would be the ideal card to use her. Had lots of fun stitching her laces on her shoes - putting the little gems on her hairband and ribbon and also stitching the twigs on to add a bit something for the swing to be attached to.

Card Receipe:

Stamps

Whiff of Joy - Spring Kit 2009 - Girl

Whiff of Joy - Swing with Roses

Whiff of Joy - Christmas Swirls

Stampin up - Sentiment - One of a Kind

Kelly Panacci - Faux Stitching

Misc

Papers from a good friend Lou not sure who they are by

Twig from garden

Ribbon is Stampin up

Martha Stewart Doily Lace Punch

Happy crafting Nicky xx

Allsorts Challenge

2010-05-07T19:07:00.001+01:00

The challenge this week for Allsorts Challenge is animals. So have just made this cute Christening card for a friends little boy with a rabbit on it, so thought I would enter it for the challenge too.

Card Receipe:

Stamps

Magnolia Stamp - Rabbit

Hero Arts - Its Your Day sentiment

Whiff of Joy Swirls

Papers

From Stash

Punches

Woodware Retro - Flower Punches

EK Success - Bracket Punch

Thanks for looking, Nicky xxx

Lazy Afternoon

2010-05-03T22:07:00.001+01:00

This is a card for my husbands brother's birthday. Sat yesterday having a play with bits and pieces both old and new.

Card Reciepe:

Stamps

Lili of the Valley Stamp - Lazy Afternoon
Magnolia - Toadstools
Studio g - Alphabet stamp set series 1

Punches

Stampin up - Bird Punch
Stampin up - Jewellery Tag punch
EK Success - Bracket Edger punch

Misc

Page from old dictionary
Versa pinecone cube to edge work
Watercolour Pencils to colour image

Thank you for looking. Hugs Nicky xxx

Camping!!!

2010-04-29T21:38:00.001+01:00

I have created this card using a free digi image I printed off a while a go, but unfortunately didn't make a note of where from!!! Thought it would be great for would be campers or a boys card.(I'm not one of them, tried it once and hated it. I like my luxuries too much!!!) Having a go at creating an easel card but using a different shape which took me ages to figure out using my nestiabilies. (easy when you know how though.)

Card Reciepe:

Stamps

Free digi image - can't remember where from though. (sorry!!)

Stampin up - (Grass) Pocket Sihouettes

Stampin up - Sentiment Circle of Friendship

Stampin up Roller - Funky Forest

Woodware - (Birthday wishes) Circular Greetings

Punches

Stampin up - Jewellery tag punch

Nestabilities - Labels 1

Misc

Ribbon, Thread & Buttons from stash

Watercolour pencils

Colour Box Chalk inkpad - Prussian Blue to edge

Thank you for having a look. Nicky xxx

Squiggles Challenge

2010-04-18T09:07:00.000+01:00

The following card has been created following the sketch for the Squiggles Challenge. I loved using the sketch and found it easier to create my card using a sketch something I don't do very often.

I used:

Stamps

Squiggle Stamp - Squirrel Picnic

Stampin up - Sentiment (pocket silhouttes)

Papers

Rusty Pickle - White Chocolate Bunnies ( from the challenge last month)

Misc

Linen Thread

Ribbon from stash

Gems from stash

Nestabilities

I thought I would use the items that I won from last months challenge. They are fab and can't wait to make more creations with them - thank you again.

Thank you for looking at my card - Nicky xx

Pearls and Petals

2010-04-16T09:51:00.000+01:00

Allsorts challenge this week is to add pearls & petals to your project. Who needs an excuse to add some extra bits to your card. Well here is my card -

I used :

Stamps

Whiff of Joy - (a stamp from the spring 2009 kit)

Hero Arts - Big Flower Pattern stamp

Papers

Daisy Bucket - In the Meadow (celeste)

Punches

EK Success - Bracket Punch

Woodware - 2 different size flowers

Woodware - leaf

Hole punch 2 different sizes

Misc

Linen Thread

Crystal Stickers - Pearls

Opalite - Artic Emerald reflective ink (used on flower in background)

Thank you for taking the time to view my card - Nicky xxx

Sir Stampalot Challenge

2010-04-12T09:10:00.003+01:00

This is my card for sir stampalot challenge. I wanted to do something a little bit different. Fleur made a fab card which inspired me to make one this same shape.

I used: Squiggles Stamp - Flourishes & Daisy & toadstools

Magnolia - Mushrooms stamps
Lavinia - Fairies & mushroom houses

Crafters Companion Flower Fairies - Rose Fairy Stamp Set( fairies & senitments)
Photo of Bewilderwood from own stash

Papers - Fantasy (paper stack 6x6)

Card - Stampin up Beige

I had fun making this and I hope you have fun looking at it. Nicky xx

Laundry!!!

2010-04-09T21:46:00.000+01:00

I know how this feels. I have a pile of ironing to do but have been crafting instead. Will do tomorrow.... I have created this cute image which I borrowed from a good friend Fleur. (It was her birthday present from Lou another crafty friend.) But the Greeting Farm stamps are lovely.....

I am entering for: Roses and Paper Challenge

I used:

The Greeting Farm Stamp - Laundry

Stampin Up - Sentiment

Martha Stewart Punch - Lace Doily

Woodware - Corner Punch

Papers - Cosmo Cricket - Earth Love (love these papers)

Nesties - Big Scalloped Circles (for flowers)

Plain card from stash

Brads from stash

Thank you for looking at this card. Nicky

A Day at the Zoo

2010-04-08T23:07:00.001+01:00

Just a few of my favourite photo's that I took today on visiting Hamerton Zoo near Sawtry Cambs.

My Favourite of all has to be this image of the owls. The weather helped as most of the animals came out to enjoy the sunshine.

Even the little monkeys had time to sun bathe!!!!!

Happy Half term hopefully some cards to follow soon. Nicky xx

Happy Easter

2010-04-06T09:11:00.000+01:00

Hope you all had a great easter and didn't eat too many eggs. Just a quickie card that I made for Holly after my visit to Sir Stampalot to see Lou. Great demo. I then got a text later from Fleur to tell me that I had won the squigglestamps challenge for March.

I used: Hero Arts Clear stamp set - Big Flower Patterns

Stampavie Rabbit stamp - Loopy Lops Strawberry Fair

Sentiment an old stamp think its papermania?

Paper from my scrap box

Thanks for looking at my blog - Nicky xx

Happy Birthday Mum

2010-03-31T21:02:00.002+01:00

My mum's birthday is next week, so thought I would make her a special card. Something a little bit different. I found this design on Splitcoast Stampers a good source of inspiration. It is called a "Surprise Pop Up Card", hope you can see why from the images below. (You pull on the tag at the back to reveal a picture or sentiment.) Thank you Holly for helping me take these photo's.

I used the following:

Stampin up papers - Bella Bleu & Taupe card (12 x 12 paper sets)

An old Dictionary (used on flowers)

Stamps: -

Hero Arts - Sweet Owls

Whiff of Joy - Swirls

Bildmalarna -Tossa Flower

Stampin up - Whimsical Words

Woodware Punches - Flowers

Misc:

Diamond Gems

Linen Thread

Thank you for looking. Hugs Nicky xxx

p.s Holly's has commented on my blog but has used my sign on as she doesn't have her own yet!!!!

Spring is in the Air!!

2010-03-29T10:09:00.000+01:00

A little while since I've crafted so thought I would have a go at a challenge, so have designed this card for the Squiggle stamps March Challenge "Spring". The colours I have used are colours I wouldn't normally use but they reminded me of Spring.

I used the following to make the card:

Squiggle Digi Stamp- Fenella & Friends - Picked for you.

Laundry Line Clear Stamp - Flirty Play (flower image stamped in versa watermark on background paper)

Dovecraft - Spring is in the Air clear stamp

Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch

Woodware punches - Flowers & leaves

Versa Colour cubes to colour in image

Papers from scrap box

Thanks for looking Nicky xx

Mothers Day Card

2010-03-17T18:35:00.003Z

A bit late but this is the Mother's Day card that I made for both my mum & Nick's mum. They both said they liked it as it was a bit different. I was up till midnight on Saturday making them!!

I used: My Minds Eye papers

Stampin up Flower & sentiment stamp

Sarah Kay Image

Sizzix Flower, branch & leaf set for the leaves

Woodware Flower punches

Unfortunately my husband scanned my card for me and this does not show the card at its best. Maybe I can borrow back to re- photograph and adjust image at a later date. Only this week to go and back to normal hours at work so may get more crafting and blogging done.

Nicky

2010-03-07T20:14:00.000Z

This is the first card that I have made since our weekend away. I have lost a bit of interest in crafting at the moment due to work commitments so friends and family have been given brought cards!!! This card was for a good friend who celebrated her 40th Birthday on Monday.

Various stamps used: Sara Kay Image, Stampin up tree (wheel), Whiff of Joy Swirls & Dovecraft sentiment.

The number 40 was cut out by Fleur on her new cricut & I also borrowed her bigshot die for the leaves.

The flowers are woodware punches.

Hopefully I have got my crafting passion back or maybe in two weeks when back to normal hours at work.

See you all soon and promise I will start looking at your blogs and commenting on your creations soon. Sorry - Hugs Nicky

If you go down to the woods today!!!

2010-02-09T22:10:00.001Z

You'll be in for a big surprise - no just 9 crafty women in disguise!!!

Well I know I had a great weekend even if I had to leave early due to a mirgraine. Big thank you to Fleur for driving me home and sorry you had to leave early... Well my weekend was full of things that just went wrong. First of all Fleur and I got lost and ended up 14 miles away from our destination ( well Mablethorpe was nice for the brief stop - bit should have been near Louth!!!). Then I had been texting Lou's hubby Nick and not my hubby Nick ( thankfully I hadn't been texting anything I shouldn't have!!). Then to top it all my battery on my camera died after 3 photos and spare was dead too - and finally feeling unwell so had to leave early.

But I promise I really did enjoy myself and the company was fab. Hope to do it again soon. Hugs Nicky.

Hugs & Kisses

2010-01-26T10:01:00.000Z

I brought this stamp from my friend Fleur yesterday. So I thought I would have a go at making hubby's valentines card. Tried to keep it all in brown tones for a change to the vibrant reds that you normally get.

I used: Hero Arts Cling on heart stamp, Kelly Panacci stitch stamp, Whiff of Joy Swirls, Squiggle stamps Bird Flourish. Tim Holtz sentiment & distress ink antique linen. Button & heart from stash. Papers were ladybug & friends (Light brown) and brown spotty paper was a scrap piece. Hugs Nicky xxx

Fairy Special!

2010-01-19T14:00:00.001Z

This card has been made for a male friend of mine. I have used the Alva Sitting stamp which is a female elf but I have made the hair short and put it onto blue and think it may pass as a male elf???

I have used :

Stamps: Alva Sitting (Magnolia), Mouse (Penny Black), Sentiment (Woodware circular greeting), Small toadstools (squiggles stamps) thin toadstools (magnolia) stitches (Kelly Panacci) Big Flower which I made into the big toadstool (Hero Arts) & the ticket was a freebie.

Papers: My minds eye - Merry days of Christmas - All a glow (green patterned paper & blue dots. Magnolia - White Christmas - Frosty Fir. Dark blue bit from scrap box.

Misc: Clear embossing powder and a little glitter used on thin toadstools. Coloured in using watercolour pencils.

I really enjoyed making this card and followed a sketch which made it easier to put together. Not long now till our crafty retreat!!!! Nicky xx

New stamps..

2010-01-18T09:57:00.000Z

I brought most of the stamps used on this card on Saturday at Sir Stampalot. The little elf is sooo cute I just had to have her. I have even started to get the hang of shrink plastic (thank you Lou).

I used:

Stamps:- Alva Sitting - Magnolia

Sweet Owls - Hero Arts

Mushrooms - Magnolia

Wish - Stmapin up

Papers:- Sweet Branch Collection - Crate Paper Green - Hope & Blue Cherish

My Minds Eye - Orange

Misc:- Flower - Arts Flowers which was inked & clear embossed

Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch

Woodware Leaf punch

Nestabilities Label 1

Watercolour pencils to colour

I would like to thank Sir Stampalot for selecting my card previously featured on my blog as card of the month which has helped with getting me back into crafting.

Happy crafting Nicky xxx

A little Coffee & Inspiration!!

2010-01-16T22:04:00.000Z

This card started by using Fleur's corn stamp whilst having a coffee and chat with Fleur, Lou & Chris and by the end of the day this was the finished result.

I used Kars stamps for images and a Stampin up sentiment.

Not sure whether it needs a little mouse on one of the bits of corn. But I'm finding it really hard to get my crafty head on at the moment but after spending some time with some crafty friends today at Sir Stampalot it may be on its way back. Hopefully more to follow soon. Nicky xxx

Birthday !!!

2010-01-07T19:48:00.001Z

Well Happy New Year to you all a little late I know but have only just got back into the swing of making cards that are not christams cards!!!! (you all no what I'm talking about...) A couple of quickie cards as nearly forgot birthdays that were the first few days into the new year.

Used my Magnolia stamp and a couple of stampin up stamps to create this male card. Oh how I find it hard to create male cards. Mind you I don't have many stamps in my collection to create them.

This lovely stamp is called "Tossa Flowers" by bildmalarna stamps a really cute image and the first time I have used her. Anyway have several more cards to create for this month. Nicky

Christmas Cards .....

2009-12-22T12:57:00.001Z

I am so pleased that I have finished making the last of my christmas cards. I am all christmas carded out. I'm now bogged down with all the other christmas prep. Below is a sample of my cards that I have made this year for friends & family.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas & Good New Year. Nicky xxx

Allsorts Challenge

2009-11-23T10:59:00.005Z

The challenge for this week on www.allsortschallenge.blogspot.com is to use a christmas song to design you card. Mine is "Let it Snow, Let Snow, Let it Snow"

I have used:

Anita's Wooden snowman stamp (forgot I had this one!!!)
Sentiment stamp brought from Papermill
Stampin up 1 1/4 circle punch
Woodware 1 1/2 circle punch
Stampin up flower punch
Martha Stewart doily punch
Stampin up green paper
Christmas paper Dovecraft
Brads & bits from stash

Hugs from Nicky x x

Whiff of Joy Challenge

2009-11-20T10:33:00.004Z

The challenge this week was a sketch http://wojmondaychallenge.blogspot.com/. I decided to have a go at doing it in a sepia effect, not sure but it got me using colours I wouldn't normally use!!

I used:

Whiff of Joy - Uru and Bird
Woodware flower punches
Martha Stewart doily punch
Stampin up ribbon
Borrowed punch for branches
Sentiment and card were purchased from The Papermill Shop
Brads dovecraft
Charm from stash
Versamark - watermark pad used to create snowflake and words on card

Hugs Nicky xxx

Whiff of Joy Stamp

2009-11-19T11:19:00.004Z

I just love my new Whiff of Joy stamp - Willow with cookies. Couldn't wait to use it. I'm off work at the moment with some stomach bug so rather than being bored I surfed the net and found that Whiff of joy have a challenge so thought I might have a go. http://wojmondaychallenge.blogspot.com/ The challenge was to use the colours orange, brown and ivory.
I used :

Whiff of Joy Stamp - Willow with Cookies
Stampin up - Orange Paper
Craft Paper-Static collection Gravity
Brown Dotty paper from stash
The paper Company - Gold dainty Filigree
Martha Stewart Doily punch
Stampin up Scallop Oval punch
Stampin up Sentiment
Woodware Flower Punches
Branch punch borrowed from Fleur
Buttons, brads, charms & butterfly from craft stash.

I really like this card and I used colours that I wouldn't normally use, so found it a bit of a challenge. Nicky xx

My New Stamp

2009-11-17T10:41:00.002Z

I just had to have ago. This my new stamp from Whiff of joy.

I used:

Rose Tinted Christmas paper - the Christmas multi stack
Whiff of Joy stamp - Uru and bird & Christmas flourishes
Rubadubbadoo - Bethlehem set for sentiment
Little red beads donated by my good friend Fleur ( don't know what I would do with out her!!)
Nestabilities - Labels 1
Woodware flower punches

No good will have to start my Christmas cards!!! Nicky

Christmas Wreath

2009-11-17T10:09:00.003Z

I decided to make my own Christmas wreath after I spotted these heart shaped entwined twigs. So with a few beads some berries, a bell, cinnamon sticks, and ribbon this is what I created.

My Mum liked it so much I had to create one for her too!!! I really need to start getting ready for Christmas as I haven't brought a thing yet or started my cards!! See you soon Nicky xx

Congratulations

2009-11-17T09:47:00.006Z

Our friends have had a little baby boy born on Saturday. So with the help of my friend Fleur and her craftroom supplies I created this card for them. Thanks Fleur for the advice and lone of the stamps and your stash of paper.

I have used:

Sweet baby pastel - Blue baby words American Traditional Design Papers & blue paper from Fleurs stash.
Magnolia baby rabbit stamp.
Silver heart charm.
Christmas flourishes from Whiff of Joy.
Blue button from stash.
Sentiments are both Stampin up.
Martha Stewart Lace doily punch.
Nestabilies for scalloped circle and circular punches.

I would like to thank Fleur again for her help and will see some of you tonight at Fleurs. Nicky xx

Another quick birthday card!!

2009-11-07T00:15:00.005Z

I know I need to be more prepared but I need a card for a party that Holly is going to tomorrow so I have stayed up to make this one.

I used Stampin up paper from stash, stampin up scallop circle & circle 1 1/4" punches. Woodware 1 1/2" circle punch. Magnolia with Ladybird stamp. Leaf punch I borrowed from Fleur & hero arts - It's your Day stamp. I'm off to bed now!!! Happy crafting Nicky xxx

Our Little Angel

2009-11-06T23:57:00.004Z

I have created a special card for our baby daughter Ashleigh who died in Dec 07. She would have been two on Nov 9th. It's something I feel I have to do & maybe it is part of my grieving process.... but I know we all miss her and she is always in our thoughts.

I used : Crate paper - Static collection - Torn, Check patterned paper from stash & Junkitz - flower.ful dots. Stampin up - One of a Kind flower stamp and punch. Sizzix - flower, branch leaf set. Sarah Kay - Spring is Back stamp. Tim Holtz - ticket "Love". Red heart I made a while back and found in stash and finally wording was typed in word. Hugs Nicky xxx

Post it Note Holder

2009-11-03T13:09:00.004Z

A little present Holly & I made for my sister for her birhtday (which is on Thursday she is 5 minutes older than me!!) She's not into craft but likes her shopping & housework (unlike me!). So we thought we would make her this to go in her handbag and the image we thought worked as she likes housework. Also it gave Holly & I a bit of Mummy & daughter bonding time...

Trick or Treat

2009-10-30T08:42:00.003Z

Holly and I have had a go at making some simple trick or treat bags. She enjoyed making these and is excited about giving them away. (Anything to stop the holiday blues and the constant I'm bored comments.) Although after yesterday where we did pumpkin carving and then my craft goodies were attacked by 3 children...... we'll lets just say my blood pressure is now normal but spent along time cleaning stamps and tidying up after them!!!( I'm very particular about my stamps being cleaned after being used lets just say that didn't happen yesterday.)

We used orange paper and my inkadinkado All Hallows Eve stamp set. I'm sure the children will be more intereted in the goodies inside hence that's why we didn't spend to long on them. See you all soon Nicky & Holly.

Home Tweet Home

2009-10-29T11:17:00.005Z

I made this card for Clare and family as they moved house today. I've been looking after her girls while they have moved but to be honest they are looking after Holly while I craft!!

I used: My Minds Eye - Wild Asparagus paper.

Stampin Up Circle punch & scallop circle punch.

Squiggles Stamps - Bird Flourish.

Rubbadubbadoo Stamp set - Coastal Summer - Beach Huts used.(inside of card)

Hopefully they have fun in their new home. Nicky xx

My new stamp set

2009-10-29T10:48:00.007Z

I just love my new stamp set & couldn't wait to have a go with them. So made this birthday card, which I love.

I used: Junkitz - flower.ful Dots & monochrome green. Red bit was from my scrap box.

Red button from collection (which seems to be growing!!).

Squiggle Stamps - Daisy & Toadstools, Bird Flourish & Too Tweet ( inside card).

http://www.squigglestamps.com/

Woodware sentiment clear stamps.

Thought I may have got more crafting done whilst on school half term but have been full of cold ( always happens to me!!) Happy stamping to you all. Nicky xx

Easel Card

2009-10-22T22:33:00.004+01:00

Spotted an example of an easel card on another site so thought I would have a go at it. I really like this card.... but this one has taken a while, but now I know what I am doing it should be easy!!!! Just a little different from the square card.

I used Paper - My Minds Eye - Wild Asparagus, Purple paper from stash, Tilda - Lapland, Woodware circular greetings (all words), Butterfly stamp is one in my collection, Ribbon from Hobbycraft, Nestabilities - Label 1 and flowers / brads are from my craft stash.

Happy crafting Nicola xx