The Glitter Chick

Journaling Backgrounds

2012-02-02T13:28:00.000-08:00

Dear All,

I am so sorry I have neglected you all in blogland ... I have only 5 and 1/2 weeks to go until my little girl will finally be with me, unfortunately the closer I am getting to the end the worse my health is getting, also my work has been crazy recently ... so I have had very little energy to do any crafting.....

I have packed myself a small bag of crafting goodies and have sat it in the living room, as getting up and down to the loft is proving a bit of a challenge!! LOL!!

So far my brain has not been in gear so I sat and made these background pages for future journaling, using a bag of scraps and some gel medium! ..... I have also been brave enough to tear into a book!!!!! My Lovely hubby bought me a kindle, as we thought it might be a good idea to have wen I spend all day everyday feeding a baby!! .... This is one of my Elizabeth Gaskel books, which I have now been able to download free onto my Kindle! ....... I don't think I will ever be brave enough to do the same with any one of my 4 copies of Pride and Prejudice .... even though I have that on my kindle too.

I will try my best to do a little catching up with you all, however I have a feeling that it may be a hit and miss year, with all the stories I hear about looking after a newborn I am not sure on how much time I will have for crafting or blogging!! ..... I may be back before baby is here I really need to get some thank you cards made, also I have 3 family anniversaries in March so I need to make cards for that too!!

Thanks all for taking the time to look, and for putting up with my endless waffle!!

Hugs Juls

Going Retro

2012-01-11T02:54:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I am still working on my Mahooosive pile of scraps!!!!! and after reading Lisa's post, I am also on a mission to use any of my unused images, either rubber or digi! ..... Can you believe that this gorgeous Simply Sassy image has been sat in my box uninked!! ... I am not sure if the card is a little busy with all those colours and patterns .... but hey ho!! My art journaling has made me a little braver when it comes to doodling on my cards, I know It is only 3 little hearts, but I never would have been brave enough to draw them onto a card before. Not completely sure of the results, but hopefully it is a fun card!

This is my entry for:

Crafty Card Makers - No floral embellishment
MAWTT - Step back in time
Paper Sundaes - Saturated Colours
Dream Valley - Anything Goes

Once again Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Being Creative .....

2012-01-09T02:18:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

This is an art journaling page that I have been working on for the last few days .... I had been checking out some tutorials on art journaling over the holidays, in the quest to learn more, whilst doing that I came across the saying:

"Being Creative means allowing yourself to make mistakes, Art is knowing which ones to keep" I also came across one that said "there are no mistakes in art journaling" .....

These are sentiments that I am really having to take to heart with these pages ..... especially with my dodgy painting, I really should check out some tutorials or online classes for painting faces rather than thinking that I can just fudge my way through it .... I think she looks a little scary, I think it is because the eyes and lips are just a bit dodgly painted!! ... especially the eyes I find it really difficult to get them even! ..... I guess this is a case where I just need to practice!!

Most of this is my own drawing .. (which you can probably tell!!!) with the exception of the butterflies which are kanban stamps. It has all been painted with acrylic paint. and then I went over her hair and lips with twinkling h20's to try and lift it a little.

Once again thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Scrap Attack

2012-01-07T04:06:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

A few cards using up my scraps!! When I was making the card posted below, I liked the way the background paper turned out, so while I had those scraps and my sewing machine out I decided to make a few more backgrounds to use up the paper and then save them from future use. In an effort to try and use up scraps I have also had a good root round and found these little toppers, that I must have bought eons ago, before stamping became my obsession. all the embellies are also made out of scrap paper too. Despite this effort there is not even a dent in my stash ..... I think I would prob have to challenge myself to use only scraps and odd bits and pieces for about a year, in order to make any sort of dent !!!! LOL!! cant see me doing that though! I will however make more of an effort!

This is my entry for:

Papertake Weekly -Anything Goes
MAWTT - Step back in time
If the Shoe Fits Scrap it - Use up my stash
CES - Anything Goes

As always thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Bump Buddies

2012-01-03T01:20:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Well I have my first card of 2012, One of my best friends is expecting, she is exactly 3 months behind me, so we will be bump buddies!!! I have bought her a mum to be spa kit and have made this card for her.

I have used a load of scrap paper, for the background, I have colour tinted it with " Distress ink - tumbled glass" and the fabulous "whiff of joy" images which I have coloured with copics.

I apologise for the photo, its a dark snowy day, and with no decent light I was struggling to take a good photo, I have tried to lighten it up on the computer, however it is still a little blurry ...sorry about that!

This is my entry for:

By the Cute and Girly - New Beginnings
Kaboodle - Lets Celebrate
Party Time Tuesday - Something New
Simon Says - Anything Goes
Crafts and Me - Anything Goes
Alphabet Challenge - Xtra special occasion
Stamping for the weekend - New Beginnings
Sweet Stamping - New Beginnings
Allsorts - New Beginnings
Saturday Challenge - Anything goes

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Review of 2011

2011-12-31T00:49:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I am just sharing with you my fav makes from 2011. Worryingly my fav makes are from the beginning of the year ... I think my creativity must have left me over the recent months, so I hope it comes back for 2012, but with baby on the way I am not sure how much time I will have to dedicate to my hobby ..... hopefully I will not loose it altogether.....

anyhoo ..... here are my top 8 makes!!

This was a book I made using scrap card ... masked a load of Leanne Ellis images together, coloured with copics, and then went over with twinkling H2o's

I Love this set, all made with Simply Sassy images ... I especially love the key ring, I thought it would make a good new home kit .... as the book is an address book, and has pockets for the cards and stamps
Again I love this little simply sassy set ... I do love the little geeky girls with the glasses

Another Gift set using Leanne Ellis designs ..... how I would love to see more of her designs in rubber stamps ... this is my first serious attempt at a necklace

I used a template from a polkadoodles cd to create this one, added my own papers and the fabby magnolia image .... I love the sparkly shoes.

I Love masking, this is one of my fav masked creations of the year Love all these sassy sweeties together!!

I think its the rich colours that I love about this .... I do love this Krafting Kimmie image ... and would love a red dress just like that!!

This is soft and sweet ... using a Sheena Douglas image .... fairly simple but there is something I really love about it!

Thank you for looking, I also want to thank you all for the comments, encouragement and inspiration you have all given over the last year ..... look forward to seeing all your creations in 2012

http://www.kelliewinnell.com.au/?p=8406

My Journal

2011-12-24T13:22:00.000-08:00

Hello All

Another Journal page from me today ... I have finally been brave enough to start in my 8"x8" journal, up until now, all I did was gesso up yet another page every time I got my art journaling stuff out...

A completely different approach to journaling for me ..... so far I have learnt to do backgrounds and to gradually build up a page, wanting to expand my knowledge and technique, I have spent the past day or so watching tutorials on youtube to see what I could learn ...... this page has no background and I have not used any stamps, pictures or stickers ..... Just all my own doodling, and I have painted everything in using acrylic paints.

Its amazing how nervous I was about doing this, Its amazing to think that I took higher art, at school, yet I have no confidence in my own artistic ability, I think this is part of why I enjoy the process of Art Journaling so much! ..... Anyhoo I am just waffling now, so...

Once again Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

And We Will Always Love Art

2011-12-19T06:48:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

An Art Journal page from me today, ..... Its a while since I have done any crafting, I have loads of cards I need to make so when I am feeling well enough I should really be getting on with them .... I am still fitting through the hatch to my loft LOL ... not sure How long for, and when I got up there I just felt like playing, and this was the result.

The background I did a while ago, using water colour paint .... I think I have used a few kanban stamps in the background too. The heart is a Kanban die cut, which I have coloured to match ... I am getting braver with the whole art journaling thing now, so most of the lettering is my own handwriting ... The " ART " has been done using stickers, as are the little flower details.

The Story behind it is ... I baby sit for a friend every Sunday, and her little girl who is now 9 and I do some sort of crafting, we have done card making, made books, painting, cross stitch, anything you can think of we have tried together .... when I had my miscarriage in April, she made me a little book, and all through the book there was secret messages of " I Love You" ..... then on the final page of the book, in big lettering she wrote " And We Will Always Love Art! " which really made me smile, and I have quoted many times since, so I just HAD to do a page about it !! ....... she is so delighted that we are having a girl (if the scans are to be trusted, I am hearing of lots of stories where they have not been accurate!) as and I quote ..... "We can put its hair in bunches and teach it art" ......

As always thanks for looking, and for listening to my ramblings.
Hugs Juls

Corsets and Roses

2011-12-10T01:46:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Its a wintry snowy day here in Scotland, I am just pleased that the airport is open as my sister is flying in today, as a surprise for my parents wedding anniversary. The airport was closed on Thursday so we were watching the snow come yesterday rather anxiously wondering what to expect!

This is a card I finished last night. I have stamped onto sticky back canvas with a "Stampendous" stamp, and I must have been feeling a tad crazy because I then hand sewed all the beads on, and did a little stitching with metallic threads ... and finally added a little netting. and I have used the base of the "tim holtz - dress form" to create a manikin.

All the papers are Melissa Francis ..... I know its a tiny detail, ... but the little adverts I have cut out and put at the bottom right of the card, are for dress making classes, I am sure that no one would notice, but I know that detail is there and it makes me happy ( you know small things please small minds!!! LOL) ..... to create the little reels of thread I have used "Lorali stamps" and then twisted some thread round them.

Finally I used the "Tim Holtz - weathered clock" die on glitter card, and the paper roses are done with a "sizzix - spiral roses die" then I have just added a few embellies to finish it off. .... oh also everything has been inked using "distress ink - spun sugar" and antique linen.

In all honesty, I am not completely sure of the overall effect, but I thought I would show it anyway, after all I am here to live and learn.

This is my entry for:

Craft your passion - Anything Goes & Glitter
Papertake weekly - Anything Goes
Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
Crafty Catz - Anything Goes
Totally Papercrafts - Anything but Christmas
Fashionable Stamping - Dressmaking/corsets/Accessories

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Once More ... for the Queen of Hearts!!

2011-12-06T03:37:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I am totally addicted to my new "MCS- An Important Date" cd and the fabby "Saturated Canary - Queen Of hearts" - This is another card combining the 2.

Firstly I put the S.C image on the Queen of hearts playing card from the Cd ... I printed out a 2nd playing card so I could add dimension.... I then placed a few more playing cards behind to create a little deck of cards, I have cut round the edges of the cards with a craft knife and curled the edges, to make is a little more realistic .... Then with NSR images I have put in the card symbols in the background and the rose tree ..... All this I have coloured using my prisma pencils, as the image is quite small so I needed my pencils to try and get the detail. Finally I separately printed out the little roses and tin of paint, coloured, and added with 3d foam to raise a little. Then to finish off I have done some hand stitching and added a bit of bling.

This is my entry for:

Simon Says: - Anything Goes
The Crazy Challenge - Anything Goes
I did it - Flowers

Once again Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Steampunk Snow White

2011-12-05T03:34:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

This card is a little different style for me, I am loving the whole steampunk look but as yet I have not given it a try, so this is me trying to play and experiment with a new style.

One thing I have enjoyed about this card is that it is a whole hybrid of various types of crafting.

Firstly I did some cd crafting I played about with the " A Very Important Date" cd from MCS - All the layered papers was an image that was already put together, I added in the clock and the books from the cd. That fabulous image is one that I have had for ages, It was a free image from the fabulous Princess Elemmiriel However when I purchased it I only had whisper pens, and I would use a water brush to colour, so I really struggled with digital images, especially one as detailed as this, so it has been left in a folder on my computer, now I have copics and Prisma's I thought it was about time that she was used. The image was on a creamy background, so I put in on the layered papers and blended the edges so it looked part of the paperstack, and then it was coloured using my prisma pencils.

I have also gone a bit mad with the traditional stamping to, the background card has been distressed using "Tim Holtz" antique Linen .... I then over stamped with a "Hero Arts" script stamp, and with the "Memento - coffee bean" Ink I have stamped the cogs using a "Kanban" stamp.

I then stamped over my focal image with a "Inkadinkado" swirl stamp, and heat embossed in Gold. For the flower I have again stamped using the "Memento - Coffee Bean" and a "Kanban" stamp and I have used a brad in the centre of the clock to hold it together.

Finally as it was a snow white theme I also wanted an apple embellishment, as the only apple image I had was a "Krafting Kimmie" one, It wasn't really the right look, that I was wanting so I stamped over it with the "Kanban" cogg stamp and heat embossed with gold - so I now have a clockwork apple! (I have heard of a clock work orange, so I am sure an apple works too)

Finally I added some " Anita's Glaze" to her broach, just to add a little more texture.

I am happy with the way its turned out, I think its ok for a first attempt, however I realise I have a lot to learn about creating this whole look, So I would be happy to receive any constructive criticism, and tips on how I could improve.

This is my entry for:

Simon Says Stamp and Show - Elements Of Time
Crafty Card Makers - Heat Embossing
ABC - E is for Embossing
Simon Says - Anything Goes
Krafting Kimmie - Heat or Dry embossing (a Krafting Kimmie stamp has been used for the apple)

Once again thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Queen Of Hearts

2011-12-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Well, I fell for the " A very Important Date" cd from "MCS" the other week. I do own some crafting cd's but I am not the biggest cd crafter. However when I saw this I had to have it!!! I own so many "Alice" themed stamps and digi images I saw so many possibilities of using them more fully, and being able to create interesting themes e.c.t ...... Also a lot of the backgrounds and images would be fab for the whole steampunk look, which I Love, and I have bought stamps e.c.t but not yet had a play!

Also I just fell in love with this "Saturated Canary Image" Although I love Alice themed stamps I have always gone for the mad hatter images, or Alice ones .... I know that the queen of hearts was the baddy, so all the portraits of her as ugly and evil are accurate, but when I am sending a card to someone I just don't fancy giving someone a card with an evil character on it ... I am just not quite sure what that says! This image however is just adorable!!! She is Sassy, beautiful and cute ..... also I could see loads of uses for outwith the "Alice Theme" so I just had to have her.

The background scene is printed from the "MCS" cd. I also printed out the card symbols separately, coloured with copics and placed across the card. I have also coloured the "Saturated Canary image with copics, and have raised her a little using 3d foam, and have blinged up the hearts using some stickles, ..... In my head the little tab embellishment at the top of the card is a bookmark, holding the page in a book .... It works in my head, but I am not sure if it just looks a little random!!

This is my entry for:

Simon Says - Anything Goes
Saturated Canary - Anything Goes
Totally Gorjuss - Sparkle
Dream Valley - Sparkle
One Stitch at a Time - Seeing Red

Winter Kraft

2011-12-01T02:40:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

Well it turned out my 3 days of no sickness was just 3 days I should be grateful for, since then its pretty much been the same story! .... It was fun going to a class at the hospital about health and fitness during pregnancy, and how we should all be getting plenty of exercise - funny they did not have an answer to the question what kind of exercises can I do from my bed, as I am sick when I move!!!

Anyway ..... I have managed to get some colouring done, so I am afraid it more Kraft cards from me today. I have used some Fabby Sugar Nellie stamps and coloured with Prismas, the white snowflakes have been stamped using a WRMK stamp and a brilliance inkpad!

I had an ok day yesterday, so I printed out some stuff from some cd roms ... hopefully I will be well enough to craft with it later.

This is my entry for:

Cute and Girly - Let it snow
Kaboodle - bundle up for winter
Cupcake - colour on Kraft
Simon Says - Anything Goes
Paper Sundaes - Winter Wonderland

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Encouragement

2011-11-17T11:13:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

Thank you for all your well wishes .... i didnt make it 4 days in a row without bieng sick, as I had a bit of an episode last night, but in all honesty I dont care, I can deal with the occaional sickness as long as I feel I am getting a bit of a life going on in between.

This is another card from my little crafting session on Tue night. Again I was using those Lush Melissa Francis Papers. I have followed the Mojo Monday sketch. The sentiment is an Anna Griffin one ... which I think is beautiful! It is not that I had planned to use it, its just that of all my sentiment stamps it fit the little bit of paper that I had already cut! I have used Tim Holtz tattered rose die and a little flower puch to create the leaves.

This is my entry for:

Mojo Monday - sketch
Dream Valley - stitching

Shock ... horror..... A card!!!!!

2011-11-16T06:25:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

...... yes shock horror I actually have a card for you today!! I am so excited I have actually managed to go 3 days without being sick, that is def a record!! I am hoping things will improve and I will at least manage to enjoy the last 3 months of my pregnancy.

So I managed to play in my new craft attack, its a great space but I am a little exposed to the elements, I had to have a little heater, 2 blankets over me and a hot water bottle, but apart from that it was great! .... I am a little concerned though as to if you think the temperatures will effect my craft products ... for example will my pens and inks freeze up, and then cook in summer? I would hate to damage the stock I have collected, it would take an awful of of money to replace!

It has been so long since I have made a card I wasn't sure where to start and what to do ... I think I have lost any ability I may have had, so I am not thrilled with the offering I have today but at least its a start!

The gorgeous images are "Sugar Nellie" ..... these are really old ones, among the first ones that I collected, and believe me I have collected a LOT!! ..... I coloured with copics but was not to successful, the colours were a bit bright to go go with the "Melissa Francis" papers I had chosen. So I knocked back the colours a little by painting over it with gesso, in the hop that it just added to the snowy look ..... I then stippled some gesso in various sections of the card, and then covered that over with a little stickles.

this is my entry for

CLP challenge - Sketch
Cupcake - two's company
My Time to Craft - take 2 (2 images)
Oldie but a goodie - Let it snow
C.R.A.F.T - cute
Dutch Dare - Punches and dies
If the Shoe fits - try something new (using gesso on a card)
Stamptacular - punch it

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

My New Craft Attic

2011-11-09T14:23:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I am afraid this is rather a picture heavy post. I finally have managed to finish organizing my new craft space ..... unfortunately my sickness has severely hampered my progress, but it feels great to finally have it done ..... its not fancy with all the specially designed storage (something I hope I may get when we eventually move house) However I still really love it, I think it is kind of quirky, my Hubby has built it all using old sets of drawers, off cuts of kitchen work top, and various odds and ends of wood that he has saved over the years.

My Desk .... and newly purchased ottilite ... which I felt was essential as I have no daylight at all .... The little carousel is also a new purchase, very handy for all those essentials .... I have to say I feel a wee bit bad about that one, I spent the same on that, than I did on the baby's cot which I bought 2nd hand on gum tree!!

I have a little shelf handy for inks e.c.t ... I also asked hubby to put in a cork board, I have seen a few crafters with this in their room ... I cant wait to fill it up with inspirational things.

I now have all my tools to hand next to my desk, rather than in a cupboard, I am hoping this will mean that I will put them all to better use as it will be more accessible!

When sorting out an entire craft room you realise just how much stuff you have ........ I have so many stamps, One of the sets of drawers is full of wooden stamps ... I have a box full of unmounted stamps, another box with just sugar nellie stamps, 3 Anna Griffin folders full of acrylic stamps, a cd storage unit with even more unmounted stamps, and the top section of my storage caddy is also full of stamps!! ...... I had thought of counting them all so that I could confess all, but I am not sure if I actually want to know!!!

How thoughtful is my hubby, he designed this ribbon storage for me .... I didnt even ask him to, he just thought it would be useful !!! Awhhhhh!!!

Its hard to believe that at one point in time my entire craft collection fitted in that pink and brown papermania caddy.

Now the bottom section holds my paper collection, and the top half yet more stamps!!

Well that's the end of the tour, I am hoping over time to pretty it up a little, but I am very please with it, at first I hated the thought of moving into the loft! I think hubby has done a fabby job of building it all for me and I look forward to using it. Now we just need to turn the old craft room into a nursery!!

I am going to join WOYWW this week.

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Merry Mice

2011-11-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Yes I am actually making an appearance again!! Sorry about this, I keep hoping that I will feel better soon, but I am still coping with severe sickness ... so much fun I am sure it will be worth it all in March!!

This is a card I did last month sometime when I was practicing with my new Prisma pencils. I have used a fabby "sugar nellie stamp" I have had the stamp for a while but this was the first time I used it...... I stamped the grape part of the stamp round the edges to create a bit of a frame ... I am not sure if it looks right.

I would like to enter this into:

Anything goes - Real or Faux stitching
MAWT - Food and drink
Charizma Cards - Cutsey
Crafty Catz - anything goes
Paper Sundaes - Rectangle

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Lola

2011-10-21T10:58:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

I am back from my hols, I managed to get down there, but had to take medication to stop me from being sick... once I got there I spent the whole time lying on the sofa! and I wasn't well enough to sit and colour, however I did complete my cross stitch, this used to be my main hobby before I discovered papercrafting, I dont do it as much now but I still always have one on the go! ...... I want to do one for baby, but after trawling the Internet I love anything really girly, or something like Cars, so I have decided to wait until I know what it is before starting one, knowing me it will be about 10 before I have it completed!!!!! ...... this one is meant to have beading on it to, but I have lost the packet of beads so I will have to wait until a later date! She is "Marilyn Robertson - Lola"

I actually had a good day yesterday, so we started moving my craft stuff into the loft, by that I mean I managed to get in the loft without being sick, and I sat on a chair wrapped in a blanket whilst my poor hubby came up and down the loft with endless boxes and then I pointed out where I wanted them put ..... Its actually looking really good, I love the quirky feel to it, I think its quite "Artsy!" I have just ordered a Ottlite, so I have decent lighting for colouring, as that will be the main problem working in the loft.

I am still playing catch up with you all (the story of my life!!) but I should get round to see you soon.

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

On Holiday

2011-10-07T03:05:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Just a quick post from me. I am on holiday at the mo, we have actually broken the journey and we are currently at my in laws in perthshire. We head down to Kirby Longsdale tomorrow. I am not sure if the cottage we have hired has wi fi, so I may have to catch up with you all when I get back.

I am not sure if I will get out and about when I get there, as I still have severe motion sickness. The doc has given me tablets to cope with the journey, although I am trying to do it without them.

I have not taken all my crafting stuff, I always find that I take loads of stuff, and then make 2 cards when I am on hols, and at the mo I am struggling to make cards anyway. so this time I have taken some stamped images, my copics and prismas, and I will do some colouring, so I will be all ready to go when I get back!!

big hugs to all
Juls

Kraft and Krafting Kimmie

2011-10-01T03:16:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

As you can see I am still playing with my Prismas & Kraft .... I did these ones last night, I have used some " Krafting Kimmie" images both the cards again have been edged using my little kanban stamp, and the first card the castle in the background is "Paper Artsy"

I would like to enter these into:

Simon Says - Anything Goes
CES - Totally gorjuss, pretty girls

I was so excited yesterday as I went the whole day without being sick, and there is a baby fayre on in Inverness today, I wanted to look, especially at the prams, there is a shocking lack of choice here in Inverness, and although we plan to get one second hand or look on line for the best deal, I still wanted to have a look at some and get a feel for if I liked them or not. However as yet I have not managed out my bed without being sick, so it is looking unlikely!! I'm gutted and feeling very sorry for myself. My blending solution has just arrived so hopefully next time I am able to get out of bed I can have a play with that, and my craft stamper magazine has just arrived so that will keep me amused for a while.

Anyway once again thanks for looking, and putting up with my waffle
Hugs Juls

Still Practicing ...

2011-09-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Well I am still playing and practicing with my Prisma's .... One of the main reasons I decided to invest in some is I always found myself oooing and ahhhhing over cards that had been coloured directly onto Kraft, I love the effect .... These are my first attempts I still have a lot of practicing to do, but I am enjoying just playing.

I have used 2 sugar nellie stamps, an Elizabeth bell one and one from Krista Smith .... both the cards have been edged using a little kanban stamp.

I would like to enter these cards into the following challenges:

Simon Says - Anything Goes
Crafty Creations - Clean and Simple
Crafts for Eternity - Anything Goes

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Soooooo Excited

2011-09-29T13:58:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

I woke up this morning and got a text from my auntie, one of her friends had bought a grand caliber, and has decided that it is not really for her, and so wants to sell it, anyway to cut a long story short, I got 1st refusal so I got the machine and all the plates for £70! I am so so excited I have wanted one for ages, and I didn't think it would be a possibility for a while as we have prams and cots e.c.t to buy. Hubby said I could get it as it was such a good deal!! whooooo hooooo!!!!!

On Tuesday I was confined to my bed, again unable to move due to sickness, I watched endless tutorials on youtube for colouring with prismacolor pencils ..... after that I was itching to get started, however one thing I did learn was that you needed a decent pencil sharpener, so before I wrecked all my pencils with the really naff one that I have I decided to order the prismacolor one. Some of my friends popped into see me today and were here when my pencil sharpener arrived, They thought it was hilarious, and I received comments like "only you could get excited about a pencil sharpener!!" ........ so I sat and sharpened all my pencils - they are a new purchase so only a couple of them had been sharpened, then I was just desperate to have a play!!

My blending solution has not yet arrived ( thanks girls for giving me the tip about cuddly buddly) however there was loads of tutorials on blending using the pencils only ..... So the card above is my attempt! I still need a lot of practice but I am fairly happy with the results. The image is a digi from "Saturated Canary - Peggy Sue" The Paris image is " The Montage collection - Santa Rose" and the little butterfly is " Marij Rahder - Suzy 2 " and the papers are "echo park paper"

I would like to enter this into the following challenges:

Simon Says - Anything Goes
Penny's Papercraft - Anything Goes
Crafts and Me - Flowers
Charisma Cards - Love
Fussy and Fancy - Try a new technique (coloring with Prismacolor pencils)

Thanks for Looking
Hugs Juls

Knight In Shining Armor

2011-09-27T02:54:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Another simple card from me today ..... This is me playing with my new prisma pencils ( a last treat before the baby comes, and we have to spend all our money on it instead, I got some pencils and hubby got an i pod ) I am still practicing with them, unfortunately as yet I have not got any blending solution, so I am having to do my best without .... I cant seem to source any locally, the art shop hadn't even heard of it !!!!!!! and tried to give me a promarker blending pen, honestly!!! So I will have to have a look online. The image is " Krafting Kimmie"

This is my entry for:

Truley scrumptious - C&S
Allsorts - keep it simple

I also want to thank everyone for their help re the malware warning, I had to remove a blog from my bloglist, for the person who's blog it is I am really sorry, its nothing personal! I have been informed this morning that its working, so yay!!!

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

malware warning

2011-09-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I have heard from a few bloggers that they are unable to get on my blog, and they are receiving a "Malware Warning" ..... As far as I am able to check, my computer in free of viruses. I know this has happened to a number of bloggers, so I was wondering if anyone knew if there was anything I can do in order to remove this warning

..... As far as I know Looking at pictures of cards, and a descriptions of paper is not dodgy content!!

Any help would be much appreciated!!

Thanks
Hugs Juls

Pink Snow

2011-09-25T06:18:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

This is a card I had on my stall the other week ... Its fairly simple, I didn't have a lot of time, I was just trying to get cards made as quickly as possible. I have used a " Sugar Nellie" stamp which I have coloured with copics .... and done some inking using " distress ink - worn lipstick" The added pink snowflakes are a "WRMK" stamp.

I would like to thank all of you for your kind comments, The Stall went well, everyone there said it was a particularly quiet day, but I didn't mind it helped me get a feel for it, as its the first time I have done anything like this, the next one I am doing is in November and that is meant to be a lot busier, I managed to pay for my table, and made a little extra so I am quite happy with that.

I Have had a rough week this week, I am going through a really sick phase at the mo, for over a week I was unable to move without being sick, I am now wearing travel wrist bands, they I have helped a little, but I can still only be on my feet for a few min before the sickness starts - never mind, I am sure it will all be worth it in the end!!! - It does mean that once again I am playing catch up!!

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

Creatalicious - Anything Goes
Stamp with fun - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp - Dies or Punches (punched snowflakes)
Anything Goes - Anything Goes
Sweet Stamping - Anything Goes
Paper Sundaes - Anything Goes

Thanks again for looking
Hugs Juls

Explanations ....

2011-09-13T23:25:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

Here are some simple cards that I made yesterday, using my fabby new Sugar Nellie stamp ( I had a lovely trip to Elgin a couple of weeks ago and was able to fill my basket, this is the first time I have had a chance to play) ... I have used up some paper from my very MASSIVE scrap pile!! .... I wanted the images to look really soft, so instead of using my copics I have used water colour pencils, it was lovely going back to them and doing something different from what has become the norm for me now.

I would like to enter these cards into the following challenges:

Creative Card Crew - Babies
Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
C.R.A.F.T - children
Stamp Something - Anything Goes
Crafty Catz - Ribbons
Totally Paper Crafts - Cute with buttons (the 2 boys cards)
Alphabet challenge - P is for Pretty Pastels
Totally Stampalicious - Anything Goes
OSAAT - Anything Goes.

As you will have noticed I have been rather absent from blog land recently, the reason is that I am expecting again, I am now just over 14 weeks, I have had my scan and everything is going well this time. I have been really exhausted with the pregnancy, so crafting and blogging has taken a bit of a backseat!

Also with the energy that I do have we have been working on a few changed in the house, the room that for many years has been my spare room, come office, come craft room, will now be the babies room. My Hubby dragged everything down from the loft, and we put in new insulation, and had a complete clear out ... so we have had many trips down to the dump!! Hubby has now built me a little craft station up in the loft, at first I hated the idea of it but actually I love it, it has a fab rustic feel to it, he has built it out of old cupboards, kitchen worktops scrap wood, e.c.t ..... we plan to move my crafty stash up there at the weekend, when I am all settled I will take some pictures and post them here..

Also I have my first craft stall experience booked for this Saturday, which I think will be a disaster, I know these things are notoriously bad for selling, however I just thought I would give it a try and see what happens. however I booked it before I fell pregnant, thinking I would have loads of time to make lots of goodies, but any time I planned to sit down and craft I have ended up going to bed and sleeping instead .... so I don't have nearly the stock I would like. So if I make enough money to pay for my table, I will be happy with that.

I am looking forward to catching up with you all, It may take me a little time to get round to getting back into the swing of things, as I am still battling the " too much to do, and not enough time and energy" problem, but I will do my best!

Hugs to All
Juls

Guest Designer at City Crafter

2011-08-09T04:39:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I feel so honoured to have been asked by the girls at City Crafter The Theme this week is Do ya doodle .... I am afraid I have not come up with the most imaginative form of doodling, however the stitching detail on this card has been hand drawn..... Its a fun challenge, it would be so great If you lovely bloggy friends of mine would be able to join in !!!

I have used a Sassy Design Studio image, and I have coloured with my copics .... and I have raided my scrap paper collection to put this card together!!

I am sorry I have not been about to much recently, life has just taken over at the mo, and I have not had much time for crafting or blogging, I do hope to catch up with you soon!!

Take Care
Hugs Juls

Dance Like no one is watching !!

2011-07-26T03:40:00.001-07:00

Hello All ...

Well I have managed to get some paint into my new journals .... This is the 6"x6" one .... I have also done a background in the mini journal, but as yet I have not touched the 8"x8" .... I am building up to that one ....

I have used Kate's babywipe technique, then built it up with finger painting .... I have used watercolours again, I do have acrylic paint, but it is not semi translucent so I am not sure how well it will blend ... I have used various meshes and bottle tops for the background. ..... the ballerina is a quick cutz die, I have used some old scrap paper which I have inked with distress ink antique linen and walnut stain ..... The scrap paper at the bottom of the page has also been overstamped with a kanban music score stamp. The sentiment is a combo of stickers and stamps.

I have really enjoyed playing ..... i am loving this form of art ... Its like when i enjoyed painting when I was little when it was just a matter of sloshing it over the page and getting your fingers in there ...... and making all kinds of a mess .... rather than art at school where everything had to be within the confine of the "RULES" ..... and by the end of it I thought I was no good .... I still have a lot to learn and master but I am enjoying the process ..... you never know I may even take up drawing again ...

thanks for popping by, and having a look and putting up with all my waffle!!
Hugs Juls

I've been shopping !!!!!

2011-07-25T01:27:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I am back from my week with the inlaws, it was a lovely relaxing week, we didn't do much, went out for coffee, went for a little walk, e.c.t. e.c.t ....... I did do a little craft shopping, but my purchases are different from normal, normally some stamps and paper pads will have sneaked their way into my basket, this time I can tell I am definitely in an art journaling page ..... I saw these lovely sketch pads in various sizes which I thought would make great journals ... also I loved the fact they were square! ...... I got a small paintbrush for fine detail .... and some various mesh's as I thought they would be fab for paint effects ..... also I finally got a tim holtz shadow box, I have been wanting to try one for ages, but I have not got round to it, also I really don't have a clue what I am doing .... I guess I will just play and see what happens.

When I got home the Kate Crane art journaling DVD that I ordered arrived, so after I had unpacked, put a wash on e.c.t I sat down last night and watched it, its fab I have learnt so much!!! and I am desperate to get started! however I must make cards today, I have booked a table at the Strathpeffer community centre in September, its the first time I have attempted anything like this, so I am quite nervous .... but I guess first I need stock to sell !! ...... maybe I will do a little journaling this evening.

I am shockingly behind in commenting, I managed to pop in occasionally while I was away .... so it may take me a little while to catch up, but I will get round to you all eventually!

Take care
Hugs Juls

Simply Sassy Spotlight

2011-07-13T10:55:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

I am sooooooooooo excited to have been asked to feature in the Simply Sassy spotlight!!!! In fact it all feels rather surreal! I am such a HUGE fan of Simply Sassy stamps.

I decided to make something using " Tammy" as I have had her in my collection for a while now, but as yet I have not inked her up yet ... SHOCKING!!! I have coloured her with copics, and then inked round her with "distress ink - tumbled glass" The snowflakes are "WRMK" stamps and I have stamped and embossed, using a white embossing powder..... I have used 2 types of glitter to give added sparkle and dimension to the snow.... Then I added some ribbon, some punched snowflakes and a little bling.

I made this quite a few weeks ago, looking at it again I am not too sure if I still like it, but there is not much I can do about it now .... I have a few more photo's to give you a closer look:

Finally I made a little necklace, using a Tim Holtz faceted gem, and this little blue bead that I bought when I was in Torquay in March.

I am on my hols at the mo, so I am quite behind in my commenting. I do have Internet access so I am able to pop into blogland now and again to try my best to catch up with you all ..... I am sure I will be popping into quite a few craft shops, so I am sure I will be getting lots of lovely new goodies to play with!!!

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Sassy Notes

2011-07-13T07:44:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

A quick post from me today, as I really should be packing as I am heading off to my in laws for a week, and as yet I have not done any packing .... nor the ironing which I must do first .... also I have a couple of wedding cards to make, ready to drop off to the hairdressers tomorrow!!

This is a book I have made for myself, and I have had immense fun making it, I have used 2 of my fav Sassy images ... I have coloured with copics ... I have put some glossy accents over " Winking students" glasses, and a little on the apple, and I also sprinkled glitter into the apple ..... I have used some Safmat for the wording on my book .... not the most exciting use of safmat, but hopefully I will have more time to play when I get home ......... as you can see I have gone a tad mad with the ribbons, and created a bookmark and added a little shrinkie.

This is my entry for:

Simon Says - Anything Goes
Polkadoodles - Safmat and Letratac

As Always thanks so much for looking .... hopefully If I get a little time later this evening, I can start playing catch up in blogland.

Hugs Juls

Welcome Home

2011-07-12T12:59:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

This is a card that I have made for a friend of mine who has just got home from hospital, she had a stroke and has been in hospital for 9 months, and got home on Monday ... Its to a new home as she needed to be in sheltered housing, as she will need carers and also needs a house that is suitable for a wheelchair.

This image is from the "Polkadoodles - A double sprinkle of Kraft" I have coloured the image with my copics ... used a bit of paper from my scrap pile and did some faux stitching ...... the fence detail and the little flowers have been done using a "Kanban" stamp ..... I actually added these on later, as I ended up getting lipstick on my card, and had to work out a way of covering it up!! LOL!!!

This is my entry for:

Sir Stampalot - Anything Goes
By The Cute and Girly - Things with Wings
Cupcake - ( challenge 124 - something new)
My Time to Craft - Bird watcher
Charizma Cardz - All about Flowers
Allsorts - Free and Easy

Once again Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Snail Mail

2011-07-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I was doing a little blog hopping this morning, and came across Kim Dellow's post here Something about it just really spoke to me and I just LOVE it, So I have borrowed Kim's idea. I have checked with her that she is happy for me to share this with you all .... so THANK YOU KIM!!!!

I have just used a little watercolour paint ...... these gorgeous little images are actually from a kiddy's stamp set that I bought eons ago, but I never really used as they didn't stamp that well, they are red rubber, and you were meant to put it into this little handle, but the edges always caught, and it was not easy to get even pressure ... it was in the pre acrylic stamps & Blocks being available, I really wanted a snail image, so I dug them out, and using an acrylic block work just fine. I have coloured with copics ... and added a little stickles, some gems for the anteni, and the sentiment is using some peel off letters.

This is my entry for:

cupcake cards - single layer cards
Papertake weekly - anything goes
Oldie but a Goodie - anything goes
Allsorts - Free and Easy
Quirky Crafts - No background papers

As always thanks so much for looking
Hugs Juls

The Folk Of The Faraway Tree ....

2011-07-04T14:34:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

The plan today was to make a card to show you, however I had a friend over today and we opted for art journaling! ..... so its another art journal page from me today.

This time its based on a childhood book .... This was the first book that I read the whole thing in one night .... so I always think of it with some fondness. ... I went into the loft and looked them out, now I could not bear to tear a page from my precious book, so I took a photocopy ... I stuck that in, painted over with gesso, and then used water colours again. The tree, moonface, and my little bookworm are all hand drawn ... the little pink flowers and the dandelion heads are "Kanban" stamps, the sunflower and butterflies are " Marij Rahder - Suzy 2" .... I have written my connection with the book on some scrap paper and stuck that down .... and the title of the book has been done with some alphabet stamps that I have.

Once again
Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

The Kathryn Wheel Challenge - July

2011-07-03T08:37:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

As you can tell, with the last few posts, I have got right back into the whole art journaling thing again .... another thing I really wanted to get back to was joining in the Kathryn Wheel challenge for a 365 day journal, I was so enjoying it at the beginning of the year, and I got up to about half way through March ... that's when I found out I was expecting, I was so ill I wasn't able to craft much, but I had taken a little note of things so I could fill it out when I felt more up to it ...... then I just could not fill in the squares that expressed my joy and excitement .... when I new that some rows later I would be filling out the pain involved in loosing my baby ..... before I knew it 3 months have past ..... I don't know that I will ever be able to go back and fill in that gap ..... can you have a 365 day journal with 3 and a half months missing? - who knows .....

Anyway, here is July's page .... I have created the frame from a whole load of scrap paper ( I have to say I like the results and I have ideas wirring around in my head of how this could translate in a card.) I got the idea from my "journal Bliss by violette" book, again I have used my "Lorali" stamps .... I really am into the sewing theme at the mo....

Thats all for me today,
Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Continued.....

2011-07-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I have become rather obsessed with My art journal at the mo (Hope you don't mind seeing something different from me ...... I always have been a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to style)

I have used the "Kanban" fancy edge stamp, "Lorali" for the flowers, and "HOTP" for the polkadots. I have used watercolours again and also "memento - Bahama blue" ..... I was quite nervous about this one and I am not sure how it works, I didn't have any stamps with the kind of images that I wanted so I have had to do all my own doodling, and I really don't feel confident with that ..... who would have guessed I actually took art at school!!! again all the background journaling just tells the story ...

Art page,

My grandfather painted, and so did my mum a little, and my grandmother on my dad's side did a little painting, but the main artist in the family was my uncle, I spent many a school holiday getting him to teach me to draw ... there was times we even had art lessons on the beach. I also took art at school, I have always felt rather average, and have never had natural flare ....

Papercrafting

For as long as I can remember I have coloured in and played with glitter glue, the real love of paper crafting started about 7 years ago, as I had attempted to make a few cards to save money using old wrapping paper and wet glue, then mum bought me a few bits and pieces, and the obsession with craft began!

Once again thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

My Crafty Heritage

2011-07-01T03:36:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I am back already with my next journaling pages ... now I have got started I have lots of ideas in my head ... I am still going with the theme of how my obsession with craft began ... because it is a continuation of the first page I have stuck with the same background colours ... again I have used watercolours ... My "Kanban - Lace" stamp and some more "Lorali" stamps .... these pages turned out busier than I had first thought they would be ...you know when it was just an idea in my head, but I have to say I do quite like the results.

The first page

"My Crafty Heritage" - mentions the fact my great grandmother made handmade teddy's for a living. My grandmother was a beautiful seamstress and did tailoring too. My mum made all her own clothes and then taught us to sew ... in fact her engagement present to me was a sewing machine.

The 2nd page

Just lists some of my hobby's, I have talked a little and then listed my greatest achievement. so for sewing I was taught by my mum, worked in a fabric shop, and greatest achievement, making the bridesmaid dresses for my wedding. cross stitch, was my first obsession my greatest achievement is doing a B&W cross stitch of a photo from my grandparents wedding, as a pressie for their 50th wedding anniversary, and finally knitting, I have done a little but it has never become an obsession, greatest achievement, a mohair cardigan with crochet edging.

I am supposed to be making cards today, but I was a little distracted with this, so I suppose I better head off now and actually get something done.

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Where did it all begin?

2011-06-30T12:11:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

Hope you are all doing well ..... I love looking at blogs of where people do Art Journaling, I can spend hours looking at their works of art, looking at all the detail, it is such a beautiful and creative way to express yourself, something about it just really appeals to me. I bought the book "Journal Bliss by Violette" which I just love .... at at the mo I am looking longingly at the dvd's that Kate Crane has just created .... I would soooooo love to take one of her classes.

In March my wonderful hubby bought me a fabulous box full of art supplies, that coverts into an easel ... so I was all set. Then Life happened, and I just couldn't face it .... I think If I has already been into art journaling it would have helped me deal with things, but I just didn't want the art journaling story to begin on a depressing note ...... Anyway tonight I have pulled my paints out and had a play ... this is a first page, there will be a few more to follow, but my basic idea of this one is just to tell the story of where the crafting obsession began ....... you may guess by the picture that it was sewing!!

I have used a "Kanban" lace stamp from the recent QVC tsv. I stamped all over the page, and then painted it over with watercolour paints. The main image is "Lorali" once I had painted in the image it lost some of the detail, so I stamped over it again ... with it being a rubber stamp I could not get it quite perfect, but I actually quite like the way it turned out slightly off set! ..... and I have added lots of faux stitching to go with the sewing theme.

I don't really have a clue what I am doing when it comes to Art Journaling, It is all guess work and I can see I have a lot to learn ... but hopefully it will be fun getting there!!

Thanks for looking, and for putting up with all of tonight's waffle!!
Hugs Juls

2nd Week at Crafty Creations

2011-06-29T00:44:00.001-07:00

Hello All .... This is my 2nd week as a guest designer for Crafty Creations ( I would like to thank all the girls there for having me , I have enjoyed my time with you) the Theme this week is Thank you!

I was sorting out my craft stash the other week, and found a box of "HOTP" stuff that I have forgotten about, and I have a couple of books with fab sentiments like this !!! Now I have rediscovered them I think they may become a new obsession!! ... I have teamed it with paper from "colorbok - moonlight" .... the little roses have yet again made an appearance, I have added a couple of "Dawn Bibby - Vellum leaves" and a few gems.

This is my entry for:

Crafty Cardmakers Spotlight Challenge - Sentimental

I have been so proud of myself as I have been really up to date and on top of things here in blogland ..... but things have been rather hectic again, and I have once again got behind in my commenting, so I apologise for that and hope to catch up with you all again soon.

Thanks for Looking
Hugs Juls

Box Refill

2011-06-24T03:31:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

Another picture heavy post today .... I was walking past the hairdressers where I have left a box of my cards.... and It was looking a bit sad, as quite a few of the cards had sold ..... so I have been on a mission the past few days to make some more cards to fill my box ..... I have just picked out a few of my fav's to show you:

Sugar Nellie/Simply Sassy:

Baby cards:

Polkadoodles:

Whiff of Joy:

All the girls at the hairdressers were very complementary and enthusiastic, so today I am feeling a little more confident regarding my new venture .... Also in the last box I left there I also included a couple of mini notebooks which apparently were very popular .... so they have requested some more of them .... but for now I need to get some work done for my proper job .... and then if I get chance to do some crafting just for me, where I play just for the sake of it .... and can spend hours on the one card if I want to ..

As always, thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Guest DT for Crafty Creations

2011-06-22T02:11:00.000-07:00

Wow, I was so excited last week to get an e-mail from the lovely Bernie, asking if I would like to be a guest DT at crafty creation s for the next 2 weeks ..... thanks girls for asking I feel so honoured!!

The theme this week is " Let it Shine" .... well I have gone a tad mad, although it doesn't show up that well on the photo .... everything has been sprayed with Mica powder, I have used holographic embossing powder on the edges of the main mat .... I have used sparkly thread .. loose glitter and a few gems, so I hope that qualifies ... LOL!!!!

I have used some fabby magnolia images which have been coloured with my copics .... as you can see the roses have made an appearance again!!!! and I have once again used my fabby "Tilda - kitchengarden" papers, I think this may be the first time ever that I will get through a whole paper stack and have nothing left !!!!!

This is my entry for:

Everybody Art Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafts and Me - We are in stitches
C.R.A.F.T - include stitching
Charisma Cardz - Pink and Green
Stamp something - use pretty papers
Just Magnolia - Paper piecing to dress up images ( I have used the gingham paper for her dress and bow)
Paper Sundaes - easel card

Once again thanks for looking,
Hugs Juls

In the Garden

2011-06-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

This is an image I created using "Do-craft - tulip" stamps and "LOTV" stamps and coloured with copics ..... actually I coloured this ages ago, but I am in need of some engagement and anniversary cards, so thankfully I had the image ready so I was able to put this card together very quickly ... I just used some ribbon and gems and pearls to bling it up.

The flowers have been made using, "sizzix - flowers 3d" I actually bought this die in march but have never used yet, well actually I did have a quick play, but I did not read the instructions and my flowers were a disaster and I totally put myself of using them .... now however that I have taken the time to read the instructions ... these are sooooooooooo easy and I LOVE them, I think they will very quickly become a new addiction!!

This is my entry for:

By The Cute and Girly - In the Garden
Just add ink - Just add colouring in
crafts for eternity - embellishments beginning with R (Ribbon)
Totally papercrafts - die cuts and punches

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Kanban Collage

2011-06-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Today I had a play with my new Kanban stamps, that I got from QVC when they had them on TSV ..... my Mum asked me to make her some anniversary cards, I have quite cute ones in so I thought I would go for another look ..... In all honesty I really had no idea what I was doing .... I just started playing and this was the result. I went through a bit of a phase of creating collage style cards earlier in the year, its a look I love but I don't do it very often so I am not that good at it, I enjoyed having a play but I am not too sure about the results.

Most of the images have been stamped using "memento - Black tuxedo" but I inked up the roses with "memento - Lady bug & Pear Tart" I then inked the edges with "Distress ink - worn lipstick" and then sprayed the whole thing with a mica powder spray. I then distressed added some stitching detail and a little DP from my scrap pile behind the torn edges, and finally I have finished with "Prima" flowers and a few gems and pearls.

This is my entry for:

Crafts and Me - Bling it on
Charisma Cards - Pink and Green
C.R.A.F.T - include stitching

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

In The Frame ...

2011-06-15T04:09:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

Every week I intend to join the "Less Is More" challenge, and yet some how I don't seem to get round to it ..... so I was determined this time. Although this is a simple design I have used 4 different stamp sets "Sugar Nellie" "Anna Griffin" "HOTP" and the image I have coloured her with copics ..... I dont think I have got the balance quite right, I think the image should be further up the page .... but hey I guess you live and learn.

This is my entry for:

Less Is More - In the Frame

as always, thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Sassy Stationary

2011-06-12T13:24:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

I hope you have enjoyed your weekend ..... I have been working on this little project over the weekend. I just made it because I felt like it ... sometimes that's the best way, for once I am really pleased with the results, I think I may save it as I think it would make a great gift for someone who is moving away. ( I should warn you now this is a very picture heavy post ... I hope I don't bore you all !!!!

I found these address books In Trago Mills when I was on Holiday in Devon, they were really cheap and I thought they would be perfect to alter ... I have used "Sugar Nellie - Simply Sassy"stamps, coloured with copics. The paper is " Tilda - Kitchen Garden" and then the sentiments are stickers from "K&Co" that I bought forever ago.

I made little pockets inside the address book, to store some cards in ...... and also a little pocket for stamps ( I have to say I think that is my fav feature)

As I was making a whole stationary set, I decided to stamp the envelopes as well to give a whole co-ordinated look.

I have just noticed that I have added no white Highlights on this picture ... I will be off to correct that as soon as I have finished this post.

I am not quite sure how a key chain relates to a stationary set ...... I just took a notion, however I suppose if it was a moving gift it could work ?! I used a Tim Holtz facet and put the sassy image behind it ..... All the lovely beads are again a purchase from my holiday in Devon in March ..... there was the most beautiful jewelry making/bead shop there and I felt all inspired .... I have to admit I do not have a clue what I am doing, I am just kind of fudging it and hoping for the best .... Unfortunately I have silver findings and then black wire for the beads ????? so at the mo I am having to work with what I have, it is annoying me so I may have to go back and alter it!!

Well that's all the pictures over now ... so thanks for staying with me, and looking at my work, it is much appreciated.

This is my entry for:

Penny's challenge - Best Friends
MAWTT - Anything but a card (the address book/bookmark/Key chain)
Crafty Catz - bookmark
Paper Sundaes - Girly Girl

Feeling the Love in the Sugar Bowl

2011-06-08T03:49:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Its been a while since I have played in the sugar bowl, so I have enjoyed having a play once more!! I adore Leanne Ellis images, and I love this one, she is so quirky!!! and she fits perfectly with the love theme that has been set. I have coloured her using my copics, The paper is "Tilda - Flowergarden" which I purchased on my last visit to Paper boutique in Elgin..... I stamped the word love using an "Anna Griffin" stamp, with a "brilliance - orchid" inkpad, it turned out a little harsh for my liking so I went over it with a quicky glue pen and then sprinkled over some loose glitter...

I should really be mass producing cards today, however my crafty space is such a mess I cant get my head round it, so I think I will be doing a good sort out today instead!!

This is my entry for:

The Sugar Bowl - Sketch&Love theme
Paper Take Weekly - Anything Goes
Crafts and Me - Stamp Something
Dutch Dare - Photo Inspiration
Dream Vally - Stamp Something (2nd entry)

As always, thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Irresistible Strawberry ....

2011-06-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I once again find myself apologising for my lack of posts and commenting this week, I have had my inlaws visiting, so I have been unable to have a play ...... hopefully now life will get back to normal and I will be back on track in blogland.

I have used an image from the lovely DT package that I received from Sugar Nellie, if you completely adore this image and have to have her, you can find it here

I have coloured the image with copics, and I have made a little notebook using some fab papers and stickers from K&Co.

This is my entry for:

By the cute and Girly - In the Garden
Totally Papercrafts - Get Fruity
Fairytale - Anything but a card
Dream Valley - Stamp Something.

I apologise for the photo, the lighting is just rubbish because its later in the eve, .... and once again thanks for looking!!

Hugs Juls

box of cards

2011-05-30T07:29:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

I am so sorry, I have been totally neglecting blogland ..... I have been trying to get my boxes of cards done. So I have been working away in the background .... the result I am afraid is a picture heavy post:

First a completed box of cards, which will be going into "connect hair/Inverness" tomorrow. I have completed another box too, but I have not finished sealing all the cellophane wrappers and pricing e.c.t.

I also thought I would show you a selection of some of the cards that are in the box, I have not shown all of them I don't want to completely bore you to death!!.....

Lilli of the Vally:

Sugar Nellie:

My Craft Studio:

Kanban:

Bugaboo:

I am a bit nervous about how well this will go .... but hey even if it falls flat on its face I guess there will be no loss ..... I will just have a huge stock of cards, and I guess that's no bad thing!!

As Always Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Oooh La La

2011-05-20T01:57:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I am just popping in briefly to share my card ..... really need to go on a card making production line today .... I have 2 boxes of cards half filled, so I am on a mission to get as much done as possible today , as well as do my normal secular work, and my mum is popping in today, so I am probably being a little over ambitious!!

I was so delighted last time I went to Paper Boutique in Elgin, I managed to pick up quite a few Sassy stamps .... I do adore this little lady, she reminds me of a close friend of mine, who has now moved to Barcelona, so I may need to send her this!! I have teamed her up with some "Echo Park" papers.

This is my entry for:

Craft Us Crazy - something new or Fav Embellie (New stamp)
Crafty Catz - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for looking, I plan to pop back sometime this evening and visit your blogs, take care and have a good day.

Hugs Juls

Swirls, Spots & Stripes

2011-05-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Another simple card from me today. As I mentioned previously I have been looking into selling some cards. My hairdressers have agreed to take a box of cards and a friend of mine is going to take a box into her work .... so now I am trying to mass produce cards. I have been advised by many of you to keep it simple ....... however now that I have got into a " Less is more" frame of mind, all my cards are turning out that way, and this one is a perfect example of that.

I have dug out an older SN stamp, this image is a fabulous Diana Duda one. I just adore her. I have coloured her with copics (which I did on my weekend away) All the swirls and flowers have been made with dies and punches, and I have used papers from my scrap pile..... and finally I have added a little glitter to her wings.

This is my entry for:

A Spoonfull Of Sugar - Anything Goes
City Crafter - Stripes and Polka dots
Dutch Dare - Winged things
OSAAT - Anything Goes

As always thanks for looking,
Hugs Juls

Simply Sassy

2011-05-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

A quick post from me tonight ..... Just as I got caught up in blogland I am behind again!! ...... Will have a bit of a chance tonight to have a little look round, so I will grab a big cuppa and try and visit as many of you as I can.

I have been away for a long weekend, as we were at a friends wedding, it was lovely, a little stressful as mu hubby is doing the wedding video ..... so we were hoping all of that would go ok, and now he will have hours and hours of editing to do.

This is a quick card I have put together, with this most fabulous Simply Sassy images, I do just love her, I coloured her a while ago, and I have just simply matted and layered the card, and added a few embellies made from scrap paper. and that's about it!

This is my entry for:

Everybody Art Challenge - Flowers
Papertake weekly - Fancy a Punch
My Time to Craft - Scallops
Pennys Paper Crafty Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafty Creations - Anything Goes

Once again Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

LOTV in an oriental garden.

2011-05-07T03:52:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I hope you are having a good weekend. I have so loved playing with my new stamp set from "Do Craft - Tulip range" ... I am very into masking at the mo and creating little scenes, so I have loved this. I have also coloured some with the similar scene but with the LOTV couple on the swing, but I have not made them into cards yet. I have coloured the image with copic's and have teamed it with some "Bo Bunny" paper, I've added some pearls, and a fancy corner and that's about it.

this is my entry for:

Crafty Creations - Anniversary
Paperplay - Show us your style ( I am not sure if I have a style but certainly phases, at the mo, it is masking and creating a scene so I think this card will fit)
Abc - 2 ot more images
Allsorts - Stamp a lot, use 3 or more images. ( to make this card I have used a stamp set from "Do Crafts" "Kanban" and " LOTV" and it took a total of 12 stamps to create the scene.)

I am off through to Elgin today, to papercrafts boutique - the home of sugar nellie, they have a demo day on today, so I am looking forward to having a nosey picking up some tips and no doubt some new goodies.....

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

C&S Gratitude

2011-05-06T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I love clean and simple cards, and despite there being the fab new clean and simple challenge blog, and me checking out the challenges every week I have not yet got round to entering. I actually made these little cards when I was on holiday in Torquay in March ...... that just seems so long ago now. I used a stamp from "Personal Impressions" and then added some gems and I little stickles.

I have still not got my head round making cards yet, but have loads of coloured images .... guess I should really get on with it, if I am going to look into selling cards LOL!! With regard to that thank you to everyone who has given me advice and helpful tips, it is much appreciated!

Less is More - Celebration/Thank you

as always thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Tatty Button, and some advice please?

2011-05-04T03:58:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Firstly I would like to thank you all for your kind wishes, I really do appreciate them all. I am up and down at the mo, but I am sure I will get there.

These are some cards I made while at My Aunties house last week, I mostly just did colouring in, but I found that I was able to do little mini cards as it didn't require too much thinking, then It gave me an idea for a larger card .... this system is working for me at the mo, so I am just going with it.

The Tatty Button stamp is one borrowed from my Auntie and I teamed it with a Do Craft Tulip stamp set .... I cant begin to tell you how much I love this set, I think it will be so fab for creating background, and I know it will be perfect for so many things I can see me reaching for it again and again. Not much too this card, just basic stamping an colouring, which I have done with copics.

This is my entry for:

Cute and Girly - Anything Goes
Crafty Calender - April Showers bring May Flowers
Kaboodle - Its the "B"s knees - embellies beginning with b (my faux buttons)
Papertake weekly - Anything Goes
MAWTT - Anything Goes
Charisma Cards - April Showers bring May Flowers
Paper Cutz - Aything Goes
Crafts for Eternity - Anything Goes

Now, I was looking for a little advice. I have had my hours cut at work, my boss says its on a temporary basis, but to be honest I cant see it going back. Anyway I was wondering about selling cards as a little extra income ... I appreciate its not the easiest way to make money, as the time involved doesn't really make it worth it, but I thought I could try and there would be nothing lost.

I know a few of you run small businesses and I was wondering if you had advice on where to start, and any pitfalls e.c.t. I am in the North of Scotland, there are no real craft Fayre's as such so I am not sure how much of an option that would be, anyway Any help or advice would be much appreciated. My e-mail addy is theglitterchick@gmail.com

As always thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

What to say ? ......

2011-05-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Once again I find myself apologising for the fact I have not been in MIA in blogland. I have wrestled with myself as to whether I wanted to explain the reason why or not. I have come to the conclusion that I have received so much support here that I should just go for it.

I was expecting my first child, so at first I was finding it difficult to keep up with blogging and crafting as I was so tired that I was finding that I was preferring sleep than to craft. Sadly I have had a miscarriage, and so I have needed time to get my head round things. I spent a week away just to try and get a proper rest.

I am beginning to feel more myself, and I am sure I will get myself crafting again ...... and of course I am wanting to catch up with you all ..... and I will be popping round all your blogs again soon.

The card I have shown today is one I made a while ago with the most gorgeous LOTV image. and I coloured with copics....I liked the way the little scene turned out so I kept the embellishments to a minimum.

I promise I will catch up soon
Hugs Juls

Lilli Of the Valley at Sunset

2011-04-12T07:29:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

I have managed to get into blogland a little today, I am trying my best to catch up with you all .... I will get there, although it may take a little time!

I have been watching Nicki from Polkadoodles, on create and craft, and I am always so impressed with the way she creates skies and backgrounds using her promarkers. I just really wanted to give it a try, although I have used my copics. Its my first attempt and I think it is a little ropey but I quite like the way it turned out ... Its definitely a technique that I will be trying out again! As I liked the way the picture turned out I decided to keep the card quite simple so it would stand out more.

This is my entry for:

LOTV - Peach and Green
Anything Goes - Pearls
Charisma Cardz - Weddings/Anniversarys
Crafty Catz - Embossing
Make it Colourful - Colouring skies

Thank You Leah

2011-04-11T08:18:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

I have been a very fortunate girl this past week or so ....... This lovely little bundle of goodies came through my door, from the lovely Leah ....... I cant wait to make up that blackboard scrapbook!!!! .....

For the moment I have made a card using the lovely "cosmo cricket" stack of papers she sent, and I have used one of the latest Manga's available from Sugar Nellie, which you can get here I do adore this image ....... My Mum had a big trunk of old clothes that my sister and I used to play dress up with and have hours of fun, and this image reminded me of that ..... I kind of wanted to put lots of different colours together in the one outfit, because when we were playing, the more miss matched the better!!!! The sentiment and the flowers round the edge are some "Anna Griffin" stickers that my Auntie bought me for my wedding anniversary.

This is my entry for:

Woodware - Anything Goes
Paper Sundaes - Childhood memories

Thank You Tammi

2011-04-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I was so lucky to win a some lovely candy from Tammi .... I was so excited to receive my lovely little parcel of beautifully stamped Tilda images. Due to the lack of crafting and blogging time I have at the mo it has taken me to a while to have a little play.....

I adore this little sweetie, and I have loved colouring her with my copics. I am slightly obsessed with these shaped cards from craftwork cards at the mo, as you may have noticed ..... and I am kind of sticking to the same layout so I must look at doing something new!! ..... the paper is from " echo park paper " .... I have gone a little overboard with the sparkle, I have mica powder spritzed over everything, stickles and glitter card.

Once again I need to apologise for the dodgy lighting of my card !!

This is my entry for:

Creative Inspirations - punches & dies
Crafts and me - Glitter
ABC - R is for ribbon
Allsorts - anything but square

More Girly cards....

2011-04-05T13:19:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I have a couple more cards ...... I dont often show cards I have made where I have not done any stamping ...... To be honest I mostly do stamping, however sometime I end up buying various kits because I fall in love with an image, or I have stuff from forever ago that needs using up .... However toppers as a quick card never seems to work for me, by the time I add inking. embossing, stitching e.c.t it seems to take me just as long.

This card uses an image from "Hunkydory" and the papers are " Hunkydory" & "My Minds Eye" all the edges have been inked with "Distress ink - spun sugar" I have then added a swirl made from glitter card, a few flowers and pearls, and some stitching detail.

This is my entry for:

Kaboodle - Lets Get Girly
papertake weekly - Anything goes
Anything Goes - Pearls
Dutch Dare - Distressing
If the Shoe Fits - sew crazy

For this one I have to firstly apologise for the dogy photo - I am having problems with the loss of my crafting light!!

I have used a " Hunkdory" decoupage sheet. The card blank is from "craftwork cards" I have covered with paper from " My Minds eye" The edges have been colour tinted with "Distress ink - spun sugar" and I have also embossed them using " Heat it Up - enchanted gold" then I have finished off with a swirl made from glitter card some pearls and ribbon.

This is my entry for:
Crafty Card makers/spotlight - decoupage

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Lets get girly...

2011-04-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I have another DT card for you today. I think this image is just so fabulous and girly... and this little sweetheart is available here

Unfortunaly my lovely table light that I craft under has broken, so I am now crafting in a funny light....and also taking photos in a strange light...so I am afraid the colours are not quite right.

I have coloured the image with copics. the Card blank is "craft work cards" and the backing paper is "DCWV - All About Girls" stack.... and I have also used some "K&CO - Amy Butler" papers & brad.

This is my entry for:

By The Cute and Girly - Cute and Girly
Our Creative Corner - Girl Power.

Thanks for Looking
Hugs Juls

If I knew you were coming I'd have baked a cake...

2011-03-31T13:48:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

A quick post from me tonight. I love this new Sugar Nellie Manga image, available here I just think there are so many fab possibilities with this image, and I have so many ideas swimming around my head at the mo. I used a "Craft Work Card" template to create this card, and all the paper is from my scrap pile. Finally I have added touches of glitter.

Also I just wanted to give a quick apology for the fact I have not been very active on my blog or the fact I am so far behind in visiting you all. Life has thrown a few little changes my way, nothing to worry about at all, its just I am struggling to keep up with the blogging at the mo ..... but any and every opportunity I have I will be using to catch up, but I wanted to apologise for the fact I may be a little bit hit and miss at the mo.....

I am still thinking of you all, so take care and hugs all round.
Juls

Getting Sassy With Kraft

2011-03-27T14:28:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

I hope you have had a really good weekend. I am really loving the look of Prisma pencils on Kraft at the mo ..... however I don't have any, they are on my wishlist though ... having had a quick look on the old tinternet to look at prices I think they will have to remain on my wish list a little longer .... So I thought I would try and achieve the look using what I have.

I tried with some normal pencils I have, but they didn't work, they were too scratchy and it didn't take the colour ...... So I have created this look using water colour pencils as they are a little softer ...... I think it turned out ok, I will be interested to see what you all think.

The Base card is from "Kanban" .... It was from a kit that my Auntie bought me last year, but I never really used as It was really difficult to colour match with anything, but I think it works quite well with the Kraft, and the stripy paper is from my scraps .... I have added some gold stitching and then created my own flower using some of the left over Kraft and my x cut punch.

This is my entry for:

Crafty Creations - In Stitches
Anything Goes - Make your own embellishment (the flower)
Lets Ink It Up - Die Cuts/Punches (I have used a punch to create the rounded corners, and the flower.

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

That Special Dress

2011-03-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

Hello All ,

Its been a bit of a mad week and I have hardly got any crafting done, I wont have much time over the weekend either, as I am visiting my Mum today, and tomorrow I am babysitting.......so this is another holiday make that I am sharing with you today.

The Dress image is a "Kanban" stamp, and I have again used my set of "Echo Park" papers...i have added some stickels to the dress and made a little rose using some ribbon.

This is my entry for:

Allsorts - Special lady
Shabby Tea Room - Bingo (gems, glitter, ribbon)
Crafts and Me - Anything Goes
Daring Card Makers - book club ( I have based my card on a book I read on holiday "the secret lives of dresses by Erin Mckean)
Just Add Ink - Just add stamps.

Thanks for looking, enjoy your weekend
Hugs Juls

Sweets for my sweet...

2011-03-23T15:31:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

Well I am back to routine with a bang ..... It all ready feels like life is a whole lot of crazy..... I have managed to squeeze in a little time for this card, now I am not quite sure about it, I'm not really sure if the over all look is right.

I am using one of the fab new manga's "Honey Bee" available here As the image had Honey and bee's in it I was thinking yellow, I hunted through my scraps and found this little piece of K&Co paper that I thought would work well with it.... So I coloured my image to go with it, and then couldn't really find any other papers to match..... so then I was stuck trying to make this strip of paper work as a whole card

I stuck it on added the stitching detail and then thought about how I would fill the white space .... So I added a "Anna Griffin" sentiment ..... which to be honest I now wish I had stamped it slightly more to the left as it would have worked better ..... but after I had stamped it, it was too late to change it ..... I was looking for a little bee stamp to fill in some of the background, but I didn't have any so I decided to add these little "Pergamano" images, as the manga image was quite quirky, I thought it may look ok. To try and finish it off I added some "Prima" flowers ...... and then desperately trying to make it look better I covered everything with Stickles ..... As I say I am unsure on the result so I would appreciate any comments.

This is my entry for:

Papertake Weekly - Mum or Girly
My Time to Craft - Ladies day
Simon Says - Mothers or Girly
Stamp Something - Something Sweet
CES - Inspired by a song ( "sweets for my sweet"....... in particular the line that says "sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey" )

Thanks for Looking
Hugs Juls

Holiday Make

2011-03-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Well this is me just arrived home after a wonderful holiday we were in Devon on Holiday, the weather was just beautiful and we had a very relaxing and romantic break. We celebrated our wedding anniversary, and I got some lovely crafty things as pressies!!.....Including some fab simply sassy stamps.

I made this card when I was away....the image is "Sheena Douglas - My Fair Lady 2" and the papers are " Echo Park Paper"

This is my entry for:

Daring Card Makers: Going Postal
Paper Cutz - Your Choice

When I arrived home there was my Lovely DT kit from sugar nellie, waiting for me, so I will be inking those little sweeties up and I will be back soon, with my creations.

Its lovely to be back and I will look forward to catching up with you all!
Hugs Juls

Cheerio but be back soon....

2011-03-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Just a quick wee note to say that I am off on hols tomorrow .... I am taking some craft stuff with me, so if we have wi fi...i may manage the occasional post, but as this is meant to be a romantic holiday with my hubby I cant really spend to much time in Blogland...

I feel bad as with having loads on I am way behind in my commenting, I will catch up with you all when I get back.

hugs to you all
Juls

Sugar Nellie Play Room....

2011-03-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

I have a Sugar Nellie DTg post for you today using this fab image Little Farmer, available here I have teamed it up with some paper from K&Co...which believe it or not I have had since I first started crafting...I thought it would make a boys card but was never quite sure how to used it .....The Idea for this card was to create a play room...I thought the paper looked like one for these fab bright coloured children's mats you can get....then I cut out some of the images from the paper to create a pile of toys ... I am not completely sure of how it has turned out.

Thanks so much for looking
Hugs Juls

Crafty Snippits with Jules

2011-03-06T11:09:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

Hope you have all been having a lovely weekend. The Lovely Jules, has challenged herself to only use her scraps on a Sunday.....I want to do my best to join her each week, I think Its a fab idea....plus I would love to empty some of those scrap boxes.

The First Card I have just cut out the floral image that was in a DP...and created a little easel card.

The 2nd card is also using scrap....and actually this is using the packaging of a paper pack a bought a few months ago...I still haven't cut into it yet, its just too nice!!.....I know Jules likes to make her own embellies out of scraps.....the ribbon was from a big bag of leftovers rather than off a reel......and the brad, well I have had it forever and never used.....so I thought why not!!

Don't forget to pop over and see Jules, what she makes from her scraps is truly inspiring!!!

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Princess Prom

2011-03-05T09:57:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I am so sorry I am still playing catch up with you all, things have been busy, so I have not been in blogland as often as I would like!

I am really into masking at the mo..... Many of you asked me if i had masked out my Simply Sassy card...which you can see Here.... and the answer is yes!.....The idea for this one was lots of princesses at a royal ball....

I have used " Krafting Kimmie" "Paper Artsy" "Kanban" and "Darcies" stamps for this picture. I have coloured it all with copics...Colour tinted the edge with "distress ink - tumbled glass" and I have used "memnto - rose red" for the stamped flowers....again, because I liked the way the picture looked I decided to keep the card fairly simple.....at one point I had my usual flowers creating the easel, but I didn't like the way it looked so I pulled it all apart and went for the ribbon detail instead.

This is my entry for:

Woodware USA - Anything Goes
Alphabet - R is for ribbon
Allsorts - Card for a Teenager
Paper Sundaes - How Charming
Wild Orchid - Anything Goes

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Kathryn Wheel Challenge Feb/March

2011-03-03T13:55:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I am still keeping up with the Kathryn Wheel challenge....I have tried to keep diary's in the past and I am sure this is a record...I have never lasted this long before, so I am quite impressed with myself...although I am a little late in posting.....To be honest I had the idea in my head for my march page, I didn't quite factor for just how long it would take to colour all those little squares!!!!.......I am not quite sure on how the March page turned out, I am hoping it will look better with journaling on it.....i am really happy with my Feb pages though....I much prefer them to the January pages....which you can see if you click on the label, below this post. I have tried stylised writing this time and I much prefer it....as always I would really appreciate any input you may have.

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

More Mary Hall

2011-03-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

I am so sorry I have not been about for ages....Life has been so hectic...I will do my best to play catch up! I was sent these Lovely images in my DTg package for Sugar Nellie, both of the images are from the new Mary Hall range and can be found at Funky Kits

Both of these are little cards...For this one I have used a nestie to create a shaped card, and some papers from my scrap pile. I have only used part of the image, I have paper pieced her dress and have coloured with copics.

This is my entry for:

Woodware - Anything Goes
Cupcake - Anything but square
Papertake weekly - Anything Goes
My Time to Craft - Infants
Stamp Something - Something with flowers
Fussy&Fancy - Embossing & or Paper Piecing
Totally Papercrafts - Paper Piecing

I thought this image was perfect for a get well card, again I have coloured with copics. this was one of the Craft work cards scalloped square cards, but I cut it down so that it suited the image better.

Thanks so much for looking
Hugs Juls

Art Journal - page 1 - DANCE

2011-02-24T13:53:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I am so nervous about tonight's post, many of you will know that I have talked about starting an art journal....well here is my first ever attempt.....I have no idea what I think or if its any good...But I have thoroughly enjoyed doing it.

The page was based on the evening I spent at the "Brendon Cole - Live and Unjudged" show I went to see a few weeks ago...most of the journaling is secret and under the many layers of paint....I love that idea!!......if any of you that are more experienced at the whole art journaling thing happen to pop by my blog, I really would appreciate constructive criticism from you...it really is the only way I will learn. I was on Amazon last night and have ordered an Art Journaling book to learn a bit more.....if there are any books you would recommend then please let me know...

I have used stamps from "inkadinkado" (the swirl and the chandelier) also " penny Black" - for the music score

I have used Gesso & "Adirondack- Paint Daubers - sunset orange, sunshine yellow, lemonade& Watermelon "

I Have used "memento" ink

The main image was from "My craft studio - Simply silhouettes" I printed out...and used alight box to trace...and coloured over using a black copic marker....... I am not confident enough yet to use my own art work...maybe that will come, it has taken long enough just to get a paintbrush back in my hand.

As always thanks for looking, and I really would love to get your comments, good or bad on this one.

Hugs Juls

C&S Anniversary

2011-02-23T14:58:00.000-08:00

I am needing quite a lot of Anniversary cards next month.....I have 4 family anniversarys in March, including my own.... 4 friends that have anniversarys too....also I have friends and family that will also be wanting me to make cards for the same people.....so pleanty to be getting on with.

My lovely bloggy friend Jane has resolved to use at least one of her older stamps at least once a week. I think that is a fab idea!!! I have so many stamps I could probably make a card every day of the year ans still not get through my collection!!! So I have used a rediscovered stamp " Stamps Happen - Blue Cafe" I have always loved this stamp....it is actually quite a large stamp but I have only used a small section of it.... Although I loved it I only ever used it pre copic days and so I found it difficult to create a crisp silhouette. I wanted to keep it simple so I have just stamped a little swirl in the background using "Memento - Rose Red" and another of my old stamps from "inkadinkado".... The happy anniversary sentiment it a little squint but hopefully does not look too bad.

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

WOYWW

2011-02-23T06:19:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

Its ages since I have joined in a WOYWW....I really should join in more often because I really do love having a nosey at everyone else's space....I always think the photos of my craft space look quite dark, but it really is a nice light room, its just the desk that is dark.

I have been having an art journaling day today...Its something I really wanted to try this year and yet despite my best intentions it has not really happened...Also yesterday I had a bit of time and so made 5 cards....but I did not like anything I made so I thought if I had a bit of a change of direction for today it may get some creative juices flowing....who knows!!

I am a bit behind in my 365 day journal....so I did a bit of catching up on that (you can see it in the pink folder at the back of the wall)...also I need to get started on my march pages those are the purple and red sheets that are drying at the mo...I have not really used my acrylic paints much and I had a ball just sploshing colour everywhere!!!.....When I took art at school I was very neat and precise ..... which meant my art was ok, but never had much flare...I remember my art teacher once taking blue paint and just scribbling over my painting...In order that I would have to cover it.. and it meant I would be a bit freer.... I just thought if he could see me now randomly sloshing paint about he would smile......and it is soooooooooooooooooooo much fun!!!!!

The Little pad with the orange paint is the beginning of the art journal. The fabulous Kate did a fab article on secret Art Journaling in the last craft stamper magazine......so I have used that idea...I have loads of stuff written out that I am not really comfortable with people reading and I have just painted right over it!!!

I Know I really am waffling...but one more thing, I really have to laugh at that massive tub of gesso....I got some from the art shop, as it is used in so many techniques in the craft stamper magazine...I expected to buy a little tube but they were sold out....so they only had that tub.....lets hope I do actually take to art journaling!! LOL!!!

Don't forget to hop over to Julia and see her desk...

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Sneak Peek

2011-02-22T13:46:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

I have a sneak peek for you today...this is one of the fab new stamps from Mary Hall, that will be available soon at Funky kits As soon as I saw this image it reminded me of the nursery rhyme...teddy bears picnic!!

I used a make it crafty background...I printed out the flower a couple of times to create the embellishment....I have coloured everything with my copics....and I have distressed the edges with "Distress ink - Tumbled Glass"

This is my entry for:

Creative Cottage - Fab florals
Simon Says Stamp - Make your own embellishments
Totally papercrafts - do it with Digi's
Pile it on - childhood dreams

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

First Ever Craft Class

2011-02-20T11:21:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

Hope you have all been enjoying a good weekend! I went to my first ever craft class yesterday....at paper boutique in Elgin...the home of Sugar Nellie!!

The Lovely Kate took the class, and these are the 3 cards we all made using some fabulous "woodware" stamps. I had treated a friend to the class, she has been through so much in the last year and is still going through it, so it was nice to have a lovely girly day and do some crafting.... and of course to meet some new crafters....we had a ball and I will certainly be doing this again....

The Fab Acetate birdcages swing because of the way they are fastened, so thank you Kate for showing us this fab technique!......I think you may be seeing this a lot on future cards, I think it may well become my new obsession!!!

Thanks for looking!!
Hugs Juls

Cooking with Tilda

2011-02-17T15:14:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I finally have had a play with my new "Polka Doodles - Paper Boutique Volume 3"....I have had this since the December and have not played with it yet....as soon as I saw this little recipe template I had this Tilda in mind, I thought they would work great together.

I noticed there were a few challenges with a food theme, so I thought it was a great opportunity to get it out and have a play!!!

I printed out the blank Template and have used my own papers & Colouring to build all the layers up. The papers are "Daisy D"... and I have used my copics....this is quite dimensional, although that doesn't really show up on the photo. I have added stitching and ribbon to make it look a bit more realistic.

This is my entry for:

Fussy and Fancy - Sweet treats
Stamptacular Sunday - Loving from the oven

A Cinderella Story....

2011-02-15T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Firstly apologies .... I have not been around in a while ... for a few days my little craft room was turned back into its orginal purpose, and became a spare room for visitors!!.....and work has been a bit busier, which I suppose is a good thing, but it means I am way behind in my commenting ... I will try best to catch up with you all as soon as possible.

I have made this card for friends that are celebrating thier wedding anniversary on Thursday...
I have used "Magnolia" "Paper Artsy" and "Kanban" stamps. The images have been coloured with copics. The background has been created with "Distress Ink - Tumbled Glass"....and I have used "Distress Ink - worn lipstick" on the hearts!!

This is my entry for:

Crafty Calender - Love
Crafters Companion - Romance
Kaboodle - Hearts & Flowers
Design Dollies - Love
Crafty Card Makers - Love
Papertake Weekly - Putting on the Glitz
City Crafter - Cute Stuff
Oldie but a Goodie - Add a Heart
Cute Card Thursday - Hearts and Flowers
Paperplay - Hearts and flowers/not valentine
Crafty catz - Love
Make it colourful - Shadow and Depth
Our Creative Corner - Cut it out
One Stop Craft - Love is in the air
Totally Gorjuss - Love
Lets Ink it Up - Romance

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

All Sassy Together

2011-02-09T03:20:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I loved my 2 Sassy Girls together in the previous post....and that gave me the idea of putting as many as I could together....I would liked to have done more than this but I was limited by the fact I wanted them to fit on a card...

This card was a Large square card from Craftwork cards...but I cut it down...I decided I didn't want too much space...I like how the picture turned out so I thought I would keep it as simple as possible, and just added a few embellies in the corner.

This is my entry for:

365 Cards - Teen Queen
Dutch Dare - Buttons
Craft Us Crazy - Anything Goes
Sew Many Cards - Anything Goes
Paper Sundaes - More than one image

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Sassy Friends

2011-02-08T08:00:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

How are you all? ..... well I knew it would happen .... I think I will become addicted to making these little books!!!....this time I have made a little card to go with it, so its a matching set to give to a friend.

I have used my fabulous sassy images...available here and they have been coloured with copic markers. The papers are "DCWV - Its all about the girls"...and I have finished off with a few little embellies from my stash,

This is my entry for:

Pile it on - bright and breezy
Dutch dare - Buttons (on the card)
Totally papercrafts - Friendship
papersundaes - 2 or more images
Sew many challenges - anything goes
All that Scraps Wednesday - anything goes

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Mini Notes with Leanne Ellis

2011-02-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Hope you all had a lovely weekend...for those that asked I had a fabulous night last night...I went to a strictly show last year, I have to say that I enjoyed last nights show with Brendon Cole much more!!...such amazing talent, and I love the dresses, (that the girls worse) and Brendon comes across as a really nice guy, not the bad boy they paint on the Strictly shows...... LOVED IT!!!!

Anyway onto today's make...this is the final image that was sent to me in my DTg package...I do Love Leanne Ellis images, this one is called in a while..and you can buy it here I was delighted this one was in my little bundle!.....I was having a good nosey round the pound shop a few weeks ago and bought a few bits and pieces, I bought a little pack of 10 mini note pads for £1 and 8 mini pens for £1....so this little book has not cost me much more than 22p.....Bargain!!!

Its my first attempt at something like this, so please do not look to closely, the finishing is not brilliant, but I have learnt a lot.....I have made it all from paper and card from that scrap pile of mine......also I have used some Papermania magnets just to give the little belt thing a proper fastening....there is also a little pocket at the side of the notepad.....maybe to fit stamps in or something!!!....I did try to decorate the pen, but it actually looked worse by the time I had finished so I decided just to leave it......I can see myself becoming quite addicted to making these little note wallets.

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Scrap Sunday

2011-02-06T06:46:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

Hope you are all having a fab weekend

The Lovely Jules over at the house of hearts has set herself the challenge that on a Sunday everything she makes has to be from scraps!! I am always on a mission to reduce my scrap pile so I really wanted to join in.

Now Jules will only use a stamp if it is on Dp and not coloured...I have cheated slightly on this rule with my 2nd card....but she was stamped on a piece of scrap card .... I have also given myself the added challenge of using uninked stamps.... As many of you know that have set the challenge of making 100 things before I am allowed to treat myself to any new craft stash... ( I am now at 17 makes 83 to go)....part of the reason for this was to reduce my stash, but also to try and get round to using all those uninked stamps.......so I thought it would be fun to add that as an extra we challenge to my scrap Sunday! The stamps from today's cards are from a "Kanban" kit that I bought last year when it was a TSV on QVC.

The idea for the layout of the cards came from the Feb craft stamper mag, they had an article on "Clean Collage" and I wanted to try out.....and also a final mention the little covered buttons in the 2nd card are ones I made about 8 years ago when I was helping out a friend make her wedding dress.... these were left over...which I stashed away knowing I would find a use for them at some point!

I think that's enough waffle from me....and I also need to get ready to go out...i am off to the theatre tonight to watch "Brendon Cole - unjudged"....should be fun!

Thanks for looking!
Hugs Juls

Classy and Fabulous

2011-02-04T12:16:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

I am sorry I have not been about much this week, I have been on a first aid course, which means I have had to work rather than play in the evenings.. so I hope to catch up with you all soon. trouble is its that that now when I am desperate to create, I feel my mojo has gone walkies .... I have tried a few things but nothing is really working for me.

There are so many challenges at the mo that have red as a theme....and as it is my ultimate favourite colour I had to make something to join in!!

I have used "Krafting Kimmie", "Paper Artsy" and "Kanban stamps to create this card" I have used "copics" and "sakura" gel pens to colour. I have stamped with "memento" black and "Brilliance" -rocket red & Graphite black.... and finally added some glitter, gems and flowers.

This is my entry for:

By The Cute and Girly - Red is all around
Papertake weekly - Anything goes with flowers
Crafts and me - Red
Moving Along with the times - Red
Paperplay - Stamp it out
Craft us Crazy - Anything goes

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Simply Sassy

2011-02-01T07:30:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I have another Sugar Nellie DTg card for you today... I do love this image "Pillow Talk" available here however I am not quite sure I have done it justice with this card.....I am not quite happy with this card, but I am not sure why....maybe because It did not turn out the same as what was in my head.

I have also used my "Inkadinkado chandelier" stamp & "Hero Arts background script" both stamped in "Memento - rose red"... I have added some Micro Beads to the chandelier, a touch of ribbon and a few pearls

Thanks for Looking
Hugs Juls

Kathryn Wheel Challenge Jan/Feb

2011-02-01T07:04:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Well here are my Feb Pages of my art journal. I have to say that last month hopping around all the talented crafters that are joining in the Kathryn Wheel Challenge, I was so inspired by the fabulous mix of bright colours....and so I really wanted to be a bit braver with colour for this month....also you maybe thinking that this seems familiar, and yes I love the front cover of my inkspiration journal which you can see here, I wanted to do it again but on a slightly larger scale.

I have taken a load of leanne Ellis images and have masked them altogether...I then coloured with copics, and then painted over using twinkling H2'Os ( Pink Azalea, Key Lime, Sky Blue, Iridescent Gold & Yellow Rose)....and I used the Yellow Rose For the main background. For the squares I used "Big & Juicy - Happy Birthday" which I have braired onto card...and then chopped it up for the little squares.

This is my entry for

Crafty Card Makers - Just add water (twinkling H2'Os)
CES Challenges - Bright and Bold
Spoon Full Of Sugar - Photo inspiration

And here are my January pages....I did find that I have overcome the fear of my own handwriting, the more I wrote on this the more the page looked right...however I did say as this was my first attempt at art journaling I am sure I would look back on this page and cringe....I already think my feb page is 100 times better than this one.....hopefully I will keep improving as the year progresses!!........I just think it will look a funny mixed bag by the end of the year.

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Venetian Lady

2011-01-31T06:40:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Happy Monday,

At the mo I have set the resolution that I will not buy myself any more crafty stash until I have made 100 things....I am now at 12 with 88 to go!!....This isn't too bad a ban, On the rate I am going at the mo, I recon I will be allowed to spend again in 2 & 1/2 months. I once put myself on a 6 months spending ban in an attempt to put a dent in my stash....amazingly I stuck to it, although no dent was noticed!!! LOL!! the good thing was though with the money I had saved with friends and family buying cards I was able to buy myself the big shot!.....one of the reason I made this resolution is I have so many uninked stamps it is just shocking!! so I really should give them an airing before I buy yet more!!!

This is one of my uninked stamps a lovely stamp from the "Debbie Moore - Venetian collection" I have coloured with copics and added some highlights with sakura glitter gel pens. The Dp is from the "Debbie Moore - Paris Glamour" cd.

This is my entry for:

CR84FN Colour Challenge - Red, Turquoise & Brown
Stamptacular Sunday - Whateva

Thanks for Looking
Hugs Juls

From all of us.....

2011-01-29T15:08:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Hope you are enjoying a good weekend. This is a project that I made for a friend. It was her parents 40th wedding anniversary and she was wanting to create some kind of card that was created by the 7 grand children, however the ages range between 10 and 2 so she was wondering how it would work.....I suggested that she could put 7 envelopes together and make a little accordion book that had 7 pockets and then each child could make something to put in their own pocket. ( what they did in the end was each child drew round their own hand and then decorated it)......She thought that was a great idea and asked me to make it....

This is what I came up with.......Its huge I tried to take a photo of it all laid out flat but it takes up half the living room and even with me stood on the chair with me holding the camera against the ceiling I couldn't get it all in so I gave up....

The main image is an "anitas" stamp and the heart&flower flourish is "habico" I also used my little "kanban" stamp....and embossed some paper using the cuttlebug script.....the project is quite bulky so I also made a little presentation box too......

The party was last night, so I can finally show it here.

This is my entry for:

OSAAT - As you like
Totally Stampalicicous - Pink&Red/Valentine
Totally Gorjuss - As you like it
One Stop Craft - As you like it
Crafty Catz - Flowers
If The Shoe Fits - Anything Goes/Not a card (an accordion book)
Charisma - Valentine/Love
Crafty Cardmakers - Flowers
My Time to Craft - Emboss

LOTV Anniversary

2011-01-28T14:33:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I did say I was addicted to this shape of card....I think I have made about 5 now, I will have to be careful that I don't get into some sort of creative rut!!!

Very simple card from me today!......I have finally inked up some of these gorgeous LOTV stamps....I was on line ordering them 9am the day of their release so you would think that I would have inked them up before now!!!!

I have coloured with copics....added a little detail with my "Kanban" Flourish stamp....I have had a lot of comments about this stamp...it is one of the little flourishes on the Peacock stamp set. I have added some stitching with my new glittery thread....and finally a few ribbons and pearls.

This is my entry for:

Pile it on - Love is in the air
Secret Crafter - Its a Couple thing
Charisma - Valentine/Love
MAWTT - Feeling of Spring
City Crafter - Sew Fun
Spoonful of Sugar - Valentine
Bizzy Bec's creatlicious - Ribbon & Love

An Apple a Day

2011-01-27T08:04:00.000-08:00

Hello All....

I seem to be only capable of making this shape of card at the mo!! I have just made it from plain card using my craft ultimate pro from crafters companion, I will have to be careful I don't get into to much of a crafting rut with it!!!

I have kept it quite simple....I have used this gorgeous Krafting Kimmie image, have coloured with my copics and then added some touches of glitter......The apple has glossy accents over it. The flourishes around the edges have been done with my trusty Kanban stamp.

The sentiment I have printed off the computer and I have added faux stitching.

This is my entry for:

Cupcake - Food for thought
Colour Create - Lemon Green and White

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Artist Betty

2011-01-26T02:32:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I am still playing with my DTg stamps for Sugar Nellie....this little sweetie is Artist Betty by Kathy Hare available here

My first creation I have used quite a few of my goodies from my little shopping spree in Glasgow. The tag and papers are "echo park paper co - be mine" although I have to laugh at myself.....the papers are so nice I don't want to waste them...so most of this card has been made out of the packaging!! LOL!!!......I have used my little Kanban Flourish stamp with "Memento - rose red"......added some stitching with some glittery pink thread (also a purchase from Glasgow).....and a tiny scrap of velvet ribbon and a few pearls.

This is my entry for:

Totally Papercrafts - Add a Heart

I also thought this image would be really cute for a little art book.....I am not quite sure of this creation.....I have made this for a friend as I would really like to get her started art journaling, as she does have a really creative side....and she also finds writing out her feelings to be therapeutic for her....I realise this is a bit on the cute side for an art journal, but she does adore all things cute, so I think it will work.

I have made this book totally from scrap card and paper.....despite the fact this is now the 3rd book I have done like this...my scrap box doesn't seem any lighter!!......the books get smaller each time as I have used most of my Large Scraps!! LOL

As Well as using Artist Betty, I have borrowed the art picture from the Simply Sassy - Artistic Goddess....they have been coloured with copics...for the lettering I have used some "K&CO" stickers......... I just added loads of ribbon down the spine and attached a little shrinky...( I am quite addicted to the whole shrinky thing at the mo)

Thanks for Looking
Hugs Juls

Leanne Ellis Gift Set

2011-01-24T04:56:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I hope you had a good week end. I just Love these new Leanne Ellis images...this one is my new favourite.....I am so loyal LOL!!!!

I have made a little gift set from this "All is not Lost" stamp available here at the lovely Funky Kits home of all Sugar Nellie stamps.

This card has been made from all my scraps....and I stamped the image a couple of times so I could add some layers to the roses to add a little more dimension.

I am most excited about the necklace..... I have always wanted to make jewelry from Shrink plastic... but had never quite got round to it. These images just spoke to me and I thought they would be perfect for making jewelry!....This is my first ever attempt at a necklace....don't look too closely.....there are lots of Flaws, but I guess practice makes perfect...the chain, the findings and the gem are all from "Midnight Gardens".......this is quite basic but I hope to get better with practice...i am sure I will look back on this and be amused at how proud I feel at the mo!

This is my entry for:

Lets Ink It Up - Anything Goes
OSAAT - Anything Goes
Alphabet - L is for Ladies
Papertake weekly - Ribbons and pearls
Crafty Card Makers - Flowers
Kaboodle - Bling it Up
By The Cute and Girly - Bling ( I am entering the necklace)

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Is It Spring Yet?

2011-01-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

I have been AWOL the past few days as I have been away for a long weekend visiting the in-law's. I was able to visit craft world in Glasgow....and picked up quite a few goodies!!.....now I feel I must restrain myself...I think I plan on making at least 100 cards before I buy anything else!!

This is a long lost stamp...It was great over the hols I had a good root in all my boxes of stamps and rediscovered some long lost stamps...this in one from the "Lindy's stamp gang"......isn't he just so so cute!!....I have coloured with copics, the paper is "DCWV" that was in the scrap pile...and I decided to keep this card quite simple.

This is my entry for:

OSAAT - Anything Goes
Challenge Up Your Life - Clean and Simple
Paper Cutz - Your Choice
Crafty Catz - forgotten Stamp
Stamp Something - Cute Something
Crafty Creations - birds/Polka Dots/Green

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

How do you colour yours?.....

2011-01-19T04:30:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

I was so excited when I heard the little thud of the post arriving, I wasn't expecting my goodies from the HOS to arrive so soon.....

I have to warn you this is quite a picture heavy post....I have been talking to some bloggy friends, and I realised that in the past I think I was more creative than I am now, I have become quite lazy...and just stamp and colour with my copics....they are great and I am not knocking them in the slightest I LOVE them!!!.....so I want to go back to my roots and play a bit more.

So when the Lovely Faith arrived through my door I thought It was the perfect opportunity to experiment as I don't really have any images like this and I was not sure what would suit her best, so I dug out every colouring medium I have and had a play......now most of these I am not comfortable with so the fact that all the images look reasonably ok, is just a testimony to how fabulous these images are so without further ado:

This one I stamped with Black Stayzon and coloured with watercolour pencils.

This is my entry for:

Fairytale challenge - Flowers
Paperplay - cutie Patootie
Pennys Challenge - anything goes
Wild orchid Crafts - lets get sentimental
Crafty Card makers - Pencils

This has been stamped with Distress ink Walnut Stain, and I have just dragged in the colour using a water brush and I have added a few highlights using distress ink worn lipstick.

this is my entry for:

My Time to Craft - Spots and Dots
Simon Says Stamp and show - Polka Dots
Raise the Bar - Oh to be a kid again

This has been stamped with Distress Ink faded Jean and again I have just pulled in the colour.

This is my entry for:

Cute Card Thursday - Monochrome
Crafts and me - Monochrome
Papertake weekly - ribbons and pearls

These are the final images...that have not yet been turned into cards......try not to laugh too hard at the pastel option, I have never used them before ..... I bought some pastels when I went to visit Derwant pencils on a holiday to the lakes 3 years ago .... and I was convinced that after visiting the pencil museum that I would take up art again ...... they remained unopened until yesterday!!!!

Thank you so much for looking ............. so, how do you colour yours?
Hugs Juls

Sending You a Note

2011-01-18T13:28:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

How are you all ...... great excitement for me today, a little package from the HOS arrived today...but that is for another day...

These are some cards I made over the holidays... I have used a few stamps:

kanban (my little flourish stamp)
Hero Arts - manuscript background
the envelope stamp is "All Night Media"

The pink card was stamped with memento black & Rose red and the green card is memento black & new sprout.....they were quick cards to put together, but I thought quite handy to have in stock.

This is my entry for:

CES Challenges - No Designer Paper
Challenge Up Your Life - C&S
Shabby Tea Room - White and Bright
Kaboodle Doodle - Black White +1

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Stitchy Notes

2011-01-17T07:05:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

Another notepad from me today! I used to Love it when my notepad ran out...it was an excuse to go out and buy a really nice notepad...I always have had a thing for stationary!!!... and believe me I could spend a fortune on stationary!......now I love it more because I get to make myself a notepad.......I love this design from "Loralie"......I think because I love sewing, and I do quite like quirky images...so this one is just so me!!

I have added the stripes and the glasses to the design...then coloured with my copics - I was having a few issues...I stamped it on some scrap card, unfortunately the quality was not brill so It did bleed quite a lot and I had to patch up the rough areas with a white gel pen, so please don't look to closely......I have put glossy accents over the glasses..and have added some glitter to the image with my "marvy - glitter pen"

The reels of thread, scissors and pin cushion are also "Loralie" stamps...which I have used to make little embellies... the tape measure is just scrap paper that I have drawn lines on and coloured, and then stitched. Finally I added a few buttons....also I have added a little scissor shape charm to the rings....I love how it turned out however I am not sure how practical it will be and how many of those embellies I will loose with this book going in and out my bag all the time...LOL!!!

This is my entry for:

Pile it on - Anything Goes
Paper Sundays - choose your fav (Aug 29th Stitching)
Anything Goes - Eyelets and brads ( I have used eyelets to create the fastening of the book)
Oldie But a Goodie - Bright and Cheerful
Design Dollies - Have a Hand at it ( I have drawn on the glasses....and the tape measure Is made from scrap card, and I have hand drawn the measurements then coloured)

More Leanne Ellis

2011-01-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

I hope you are enjoying your weekend,............ I think this may be my new favouritst stamp!!!!! She is just gorgeous.....I did buy 3 of the new Leanne Ellis stamps, but I just keep inking this one up......

I have stamped this image 3 times....The first time with gold embossing powder....I then coloured in the design with a quicky glue pen and added gilding flakes to create the gold frame.
The 2nd image I stamped with memento...inked the edges with "distress ink - antique linen and walnut stain...then did UTEE....I put in the freezer for a couple of mins to create the crackled effect. The final image I used "brilliance ink - Graphite black" then embossed with clear gloss and coloured with copics...and then I layered all the images up.

I have embossed some paper with "spellbinders - flourish" and I have used some paper from my pile of scraps.....the edges have been inked with "distress ink - antique linen".......Then over stamped with "Hero Arts - Manuscript background" and added some hand stitching.

The ribbon I had was totally the wrong red, so I coloured over it with my copics so I had a better colour match...it's a bit patchy, but I think that works with the distressed feel......and finally I added a few gems.

This is my entry for:

The Stampman - Distress
Dutch Dare - All Stitched up

Thanks for looking
Hugs Juls

Have you heard the news ? .......

2011-01-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

Hello...

WOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am jumping up and down and screaming right now....and my stomach is in knots and has butterflies......and just everything!!!!!!!.............. I came on to my blog today and the lovely wiccababe had left a message congrats on your Sugar Nellie news.........so I popped on over to the fabulous Sugar Nellie blog....... and the lovely Karen has chosen me to be on her DTg.........well I stared at the screen stunned...then started laughing, then jumping around and screaming like an idiot....my poor hubby is wondering what all the commotion is about, so I told him...then phoned my best friend and laughed and screamed down the phone.......then made a cup of tea, and attempted to get my head together to write a post up to tell you all........ arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!........sorry I cant help myself...breathe compose myself !!!!!!!

So I thought this card was appropriate to show, its using my latest Sugar Nellie, Leanne Ellis Stamp....and it has a huge thank you on it....... THANK YOU KAREN!!!.......I have coloured with copics...added an extra layer to her dress with a Martha Stewart punch......done some stitching with glittery thread, and added a few pearls...... quite a simple card today.

This is my entry for:

CR84FN - Colour Combo (lavender, aqua Yellow, Green)
Stamp Something - Anything Goes
Crafty Catz - Thank you
Dutch Dare - All stitched Up
Spoonfull of Sugar - Thank you

Thanks for looking and putting up with all my screaming today!!!!
Hugs Juls

Inkspiration

2011-01-11T14:06:00.001-08:00

Hello All,..

I should have issued a warning that you may need sunglasses to view!!! LOL.......

Well Inspiration for this project came from so many places!! Firstly reading Hels blog, she inspired a friend Ellen to overcome a lack of mojo by setting a challenge to make a book for crafty ideas.....now I have not followed Hels recipe in the slightest, but I just thought how nice it would be to have a place to jot down crafty thoughts and ideas....it would save them all being jumbled in my head....also I have so many idea's and not enough time....and yet there are times that I sit down to craft I am so overwhelmed I don't know where to start....and I can end up wasting a whole evening..day.. just faffing...the hope it I can look in my crafty little book and it and kick start my creativity!!!

The 2nd place of inspiration came last night when I was blogging, I was leaving a message for a bloggy friend, and noticed that I made a typo and has written INKSPIRATION....I laughed to myself as I thought how appropriate!!!....I did correct the spelling, but thought it would make a great title for my book......I plan to keep it almost as an art journal...do it will be full of ideas but I can experiment with various techniques too!

The Final source of inspiration was my fab new Leanne Ellis stamps arrived today and I just HAD to have a play!!!

I am so proud of myself, because this little book has been made entirely from scrap card...and I got to play with my cinch...it only the 2nd time I have had it out since I rescued it from its unloved state in November!!!..

So I started by pulling out all my Leanne Ellis stamps...and decided I would create a background making a collage effect. I used "Brilliance Inkpad - Graphite Black" and some clear gloss embossing powder....although there is loads of masking it was no too difficult as most of Leanne Ellis Stamps have a lovely border to them..... I then coloured the images using copics....and then I have painted over them using " twinking H2'0s - yellow rose, iridescent gold, sky blue, key lime & pink Azalea. I have inked round the edge with " Distress Ink - aged mahogany"

Most of the text I have done on the computer....and for the INKSPIRATION sentiment I used some " Colorbok" stickers that I have had lying around for ages......The main image comes with the most gorgeous ornate frame...but It didn't look right with all those bright colours.... So I cut out the oval of the image, and created a mat on some "kanban" embossed card to create a mat.

I have just used tons of ribbons, and then created some shrink plastic charms partly cause I thought it would look fab....but also because my shrinkie skill still needs a lot of practice and I really would like to make myself some jewelry from these images.

I love this...but I am not sure what that says about all the craziness in my head!!! LOL...

Wow that's a lot of waffle...thanks for bearing with me

This is my entry for:

Saturday Secret Crafter - Tons of texture...( all images are heat embossed, The main mat is embossed card, then there is the stitching and the ribbon)
Sweet Stamping - New Technique... ( I have never made my own notebook from scratch....I have covered one before, but not built from scraps.......also the entire background is from coloured images)
Paper Cuts - Metel ( metal ring binding....and jump rings for the charm)
Moving Along With The Times - Ring out the Old - ( this is made entirely from scrap card....most of the images are old...apart from 2 that arrived through my door this morning)
Simon Says Stamp and show - Masking
BTC&G - Bling it on (I Have used twinkling H2'os and gemstones)
Ink It Up - Anything Goes....( sorry me again, you guys will think I am stalking you)

As Always Thanks for looking!
Hugs Juls

J'Adore

2011-01-10T14:28:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

Well this card was a bit of a happy accident....a case of a card that just happened rather than having any sort of plan....I had been working with Kraft card....something I have not done that often...and still needs a lot of practice!!!....and I made a card, that I really don't like......anyway on the floor a piece of this stripy "my minds eye" paper fell over some Kraft Card...and I liked it together....My craft ultimate pro was just lying there so I embossed some scallops cut it out and stuck on the card......I was just going to leave it half done for another day when I remembered I had this Paris themed paper....so I cut out the Eiffel tower..... stuck it on and that was the start of the card.

I then used my new "Sheena Douglas - My Fair Lady 2 set".... This image actually has 3 people on it, but I cut the last lady off so that I had a romantic couple instead....I coloured with copics....I have layered up the hat to add dimension and added a little stickels.

Just to finish off I added the fancy corner....and a sprinkling of gems......and actually for me the card came together quite quickly, It just kind of happened!........a little different but I am quite pleased with the results.

This is my entry for:

Let Ink It Up - Anything Goes
One Stitch at a Time - Love/Valentine
Cupcake - Something New (new Sheena Douglas stamp)
Bunny Zoe Crafts - Love it in the Air

Thanks for looking......and thanks for putting up with me as I experiment with so many different styles!!

Hugs Juls

Get well soon....

2011-01-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

Hello All....

How are you all, hope you are enjoying your weekend.....I have finally got round to completing my sugar bowl entry....Honestly I don't know why I have so much bother with sketches....I seem to work better when a design just happens.......anyway I got there in the end.

I have altered this Sassy Image slightly.....I took away the bench, and then I drew in the ropes of the swing ...... honestly I cant believe I once took higher art...my drawing is dreadful......(I am hoping the ongoing work on my art journal will improve that!) the swing turned out slightly uneven...which is why I added the bow to disguise that slightly......I have coloured the image with copics...and then glittered up with some Martha Stewart glitter.

The papers are "Basic Grey" and " Daisy D".......finally I have added some ribbon, and done some stitching with some glitter thread......all my threads are left over from sewing projects, but I am considering getting a few more of these glittery threads.....

any hoo......that's me for today.

This is my entry for:

The Sugar Bowl - Sketch and embossing (there is embossing there its just well hidden. its on the scallop detail that is on the edge of the image)
lets Ink It up - anything goes
Make it colourful - warm or cool ( I have gone for the cool option)
If the Shoe Fits Scrap it - Ribbons and bows
Basic Grey - Dots and Spots