Happy New Year....

I can't believe this year is almost over and this is my last post for 2011.  I know time goes quickly as you get older but I still wonder where the time goes!!

I am letting you have a sneek peek at a card I've made using a stamp set and matching punch from the new mini catologue that officially launches on January 4th.

The stamp set is called create a cupcake but as you can see I haven't made a cupcake, I decided to see what it would look like with flowers.  With a little more playing, I think this stamp could become a favourite (I have so many though!)
I have used pumpkin pie and daffodil delight - I needed some nice bright colours after looking out at a gloomy day!
The sentiment has been stamped and cut out using the lots of tags die.  The early espresso behind the sentiment are two tags cut out and layered up ( does that make sense??!)

So, thats me done for this year!!!  Thank you so much for stopping by throughout the year and I am hoping that 2012 is great for everyone.  We have friends over this evening so whatever you are up to, have a great time and take care.

Till next year xxx
Supplies used: All SU unless stated; Pumpkin pie card and ink, daffodil delight DSP and ink, create a cupcake stamp and punch, boho blossom punch, lots of tags die, perfect polka dots embossing folder, sentiment stamp from a sale-a-bration stamp set (watch this space)

The last of the Thank you cards for this Christmas

I could get used to this....We've had another lazy day and I have spent most of the afternoon crafting - what more could a girl want?!

We have team training at the end of January and we all make 'swaps'.  Most people make enough for everyone so you  walk away with lots of ideas and inspiration.  I have spent the afternoon doing mine but I will show you nearer the time.

I have also been busy getting together packs to send to my customers ready to announce the start of my monthly card club.....very exciting!  It is going to be held on the last Wednesday of each month at my house and the first one is January 25th, 7pm. 

So, onto the last of the boys Thank you cards.  These are for the grandparents as they deserve something a bit more special.(Sorry Mum, if you read this before you get the card!)  It's another telescopic card, I am really liking these and can see them making more apperances throughout the year.

You've had a sneek peek at a sale-a-bration stamp set.....but thats all you're getting at the moment.  If you like what you see, you need to have a party!!!!

I have used Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive, the combination really is lovely.  The flower is made by using the 5 petal flower punch and then snip the ends using the scallop circle punch, it just gives the ends another look.

We do finally have plans for tomorrow - the boys are going to play (or "hang out" as my eldest now says) with a friend and I am taking (dragging!) my husband to the sales!!

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xxx

Supplies used: All SU unless stated; Rich Razzleberry card and DSP, Old Olive ink, sale-a-bration stamp set, 5 petal flower punch, scallop circle punch, beautiful butterflies die, boho blossoms punch, perfect polka dot embossing folder, word window punch, build a blossom stamp set and punch, old olive brads.
Non SU; large scallop circle nesting die and circle nesting dies.

That time again....

Firstly I am very sorry for the lack of posts lately....as everyone, I have been busy and didn't seem to have enough hours in the day.....

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas though.  We had a really nice time and as always the boys were really spoilt.  The last couple of days heve been spent sorting out and decluttering...just to make more room really but it's been a good job done!

We had an eventful Christmas eve....Aaron and I were happily making truffles and the cupboard in my craft room (aka the utility room) fell off the wall right onto my camera. (luckily Santa had bought me a new one!) My husband moaned that I had too much crafting stuff in it but I had to point out that the workmanship must have been dodgy (he put it up!!)

So, it's that time again for a few Thankyou cards and tonight is the first time I have done any crafting for what seems like ages but with an exciting time ahead I needed to get back into it.  There is Sale-a-bration to get prepared for.....spend over £45 on anything in the catalogue and you can choose a FREE stamp set from the sale-a-bration flyer.  But that's not all.......There is also a new spring mini catalogue to look forward to with lots of really fabulous bits so if you are interested in having a party in the comfort of your own home, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

 I made these for a couple of friends that gave the boys presents and attempted  telescopic cards for family.

A large scallop nesting die scored and folded and used  a smaller nesting die as a topper.

The next ones are the telescopic cards......

Unfolded!

Folded up!!!

Unfolded!

Folded up!!

All I have to do now is get the boys to write them all....that still takes some effort.

I will be playing with all my new bits over the next few days so I'll let you have a sneek peek at some of the up and coming stamps.

Thanks for stopping by,

Take care xx

Supplies Used: All SU unless otherwise stated; Old Olive ink pad, Cottage garden stamp set, gold brads, Curly cute sentiment, Word window punch,

Non SU - scallop and circle nesting die.

Wedding card

I am just thawing out after having stood on the side of the football pitch for training tonight....why can't football be a summer game????

I mentioned that I was asked to make a wedding card for new years eve wedding and after seeing many beautiful white on white cards on various blogs, I thought I would give it a go.

Here is my attempt.......

Not the best photo but I think you get the idea.  This is an A5 card with a panel of embossing using the vintage wallpaper embossing folder.  I have then cut 3 daisies using the flower, daisies #2, one large and two smaller ones.  On the large one I have used the tiny tags set and stamped 'Mr and Mrs' and 'Love' using wisteria wonder ink.  The centres of the daisies are also using wisteria wonder cardstock.

The bride and grooms names have been added using  non SU die.  It's very plain but I think I like the white on white effect.  Might have to play around with it some more.

I am looking to start a monthly card club and am currently trying to assess interest, so if you live in the Thatcham, Newbury area and are interested in coming along to have a fun evening, making some cards, meeting new friends and having a cuppa and a chat, please do get in touch.  You can email me; brownclair@hotmail.com or phone on 07900 187959. 

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xx
Supplies used: All SU unless stated; Whisper white cardstock, wisteria wonder cardstock, flower daisies #2 die, tiny tag stamp set, jewellery tag punch, vintage wallpaper embossing folder.
Non SU; White ribbon, alphabet dies

30 again.....

....I wish!!!

Actually I don't, I quite like where I am at the moment (not hitting the 40's yet but fairly well into my 30's)

I said yesterday that my friends husband asked me to make her a card.  As much as I enjoy making cards for other people, I am always a bit apprehensive as to wether it is what they expect or want but he seemed happy enough.  Now I'm pretty sure she doesn't look at my blog so I think I am safe to show it.

I think this is called a double easel card and I thought a summery card would be good even though its for a winter birthday.  My only brief was it needed wife and 30 on it somewhere.  I have used the greenhouse garden stamp set which I have to say, I think is my favourite at the moment.  The die cut letters and 30 are not from SU as I am yet to add them to my collection.

The sentiment stamp is from a hostess only set which only hostesses are able to order.  They have some great sets and are really good value for money.  If you are interested in booking a party then I'd be really pleased to hear from you.

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xx

Supplies used; all SU unless otherwise stated: So saffron card and ink, Bashful blue card, ribbon and ink, Very vanilla card and seam binding ribbon, greenhouse garden stamp set, sentiment from happiest birthday wishes set, scallop circle punch, crystal effects glaze, pearls.

30th Birthday

Evening All

My lovely friend turns 30 on Christmas eve and she has a big party on Saturday night which I am really looking forward to.  I have a beautiful dress to wear and am looking forward to helping her celebrate her big day...all be it, a bit early.

Her husband has asked me to make her a card which is still a work in progress but I have made mine to give her.  I saw this idea over on cardsandacuppa.blogspot.com and it's great.  Love the idea, simple but different!!!

 It's made using the top note die with a holder.  The tutorial can be found on the cards and a cuppa blog.
I have used calypso coral and very vanilla and the colours looks great although the camera doesn't show it at its best.

Dreadful photo but I wanted to show the detail up close.  The '30' stamp isn't SU but everything else is.  The beautiful butterfly is cut using the beautiful wings embosslit die.  This die cuts and embosses five different size butterflies and embosses them all differently.  The smallest butterfly is just sooo small, it's a must have die.

The other commission I have to finish off is a wedding card for a lady I used to work with who is getting married on New Years Eve...all these extra celebrations....I can only just get through Christmas normally!

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xx

Supplies used, all SU unless stated: Calypso coral card and ink, very vanilla card and ribbon, beautiful wings embosslit die, eyelet border punch, baroque motifs stamp set, sentiment stamp for hostess set, happiest birthday wishes, pearls and top note die.
Non SU: 30 stamp

Snowflakes....

only on a card......thank goodness.  Snow is lovely as long as you don't need to go anywhere so I won't be wishing for a white Christmas this year.

Having said that, on a card, snowflakes are lovely. 

As some of you may know that I haven't really made any Christmas cards as the thought of having to make soooo many scares me but I was asked by my friends husband  if I could make a Christmas card and a birthday card for her (for Christmas Eve!!)

I also don't "do" glitter!!!!  only because it goes EVERYWHERE so this time I have really excelled myself....Christmas and Glitter......

I have used a retired stamp set for the snowflakes but everything is else is in the current catologue.

The glittered snowflakes are made using the new doily triple layer punch and they will lay flat for posting.  The colours are bashful blue and night of navy along with dazzling dimaonds glitter.  It's finished off with the lace ribbon border punch and glittered sentiment.

I have a few orders for cards at the moment, birthdays and a wedding on New Years Eve so I'm off to get cracking.

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xx
Supplies used; all SU unless stated.
Bashful blue card and ink, Night of Navy card and ink, heat and stick powder, dazzling diamonds glitter, doily triple layer punch, lace ribbon border punch, oval punch, scallop oval punch and snowflake stamp set (retired)

My first ribbon flower.

I have had a really lazy day today and it's been lovely....it's a bit like the calm before the storm.  The next few weeks are HECTIC......as they are for most people at this time of year!!!

I am trying to be organised but still have lots to do.

My Mum asked me to make a card and wine bottle topper for a party she is off to next weekend so I've been having a little play......

My first ribbon flower.....chuffed to bits with it!!!!

Both together..

I can't tell you how happy I am with my flower.  You may notice that I don't normally make things that are too fussy and don't use too much ribbon but I have used the seam binding ribbon on this and it's so easy to use. 

I have used a new stamp set called Easy Events that comes in the starter kit which is easily the best value item in the whole catologue.  The whole kit is £119.00 but you get about £250.00 worth of lovely crafting goodies.  If you are interested in getting the starter kit or just want to have a look at the catologue do not hesitate to contact me.

Going to go and continue being lazy now in front of the TV.

Thanks for stopping by,

Take care xx

Supplies used; all SU unless stated. Easy Events stamp set, Rich Razzleberry card and ink, Tempting turquoise DSP and ink, very vanilla card and seam binding ribbon.

 

 

First one done.....hopefully many more to follow.

I have done my first workshop and it went sooooooo well.  I couldn't be happier really.

I was a bit shaky to start with but once I got into it, things went very well.  I got another booking which is good and I am now really inspired to go, go, go......

I stamped a candle for the hostess (my lovely friend Jane!) and made a gift card holder using the top note die.

The one I made at the workshop was with Winsteria Wonder cardstock and ink and Lucky limeade,the new in-colours for 2011-2013.  They are a lovely range of delicate colours that I know I will be using a lot!!!  This one is using Pumpkin pie card and ink and early espresso ink and ribbon.

Its hard to see from my fabulous (!!!) photograpgy but the middle section is where the gift card would go.  I originally got the template from youtube but if anyne would like the measurements and details, please do not hestitate to get in touch.

Next the ladies then made a version of this card,

 Jane wanted something pretty and pink and I couldn't have like her brief more!!!!  I do like pretty and pink - most ladies do!  I have used the Greenhouse garden stamp set with pretty in pink, melon mambo and pool party inks.

To finish it off I added a couple of butterflies using the beautiful wings embosslits die.  This is a great die that cuts and embosses 5 different sized butterflies at once.

Lastly I just wanted to show you my beloved Santa advent calender.  My husband bought this years ago whilst away with work and it comes out every year - we love him!!

Isn't he lovely !!!!

Anyway, we have friends round for dinner tonight and I haven't a clue what I'm cooking (or burning - however you want to look at it!) so best try and get organised.

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xx
Supplies used - All SU unless stated: Top note die, scallop circle punch, 13/8" circle punch, delicate doiles stamp set, pumpkin pie card and ink, early espresso ribbon and ink. Very vanilla card, pool party ink, melon mambo ink, pretty in pink card and  ink, greenhouse garden stamp set, beautiful wings embosslit die and curly cute sentiment stamp

Matching buckets.

Evening All,

We have tried to get into the Christmas spirit today by going to the cinema to see Arthur Christmas.  The boys were off today due to the strikes so we made the most of it.  It really was a lovely film and the boys have come back and promply written their letters to Santa, the advent calenders have been hung and I think they are now getting excited....it's going to be a long 25 days.......

So, to my buckets.  I made some cards the other day for the teachers and now I have made matching buckets...

A Poinsettia Mug....

A bucket version  (sure it could be called something better than a bucket!)

Together, filled with smellies....

Wrapped...

With matching tag....

I have wrapped the smellies in tissue paper that I stamped to match.  The buckets are made from the pillow box die, three stuck together.  The handles are made from the lace ribbon border punch.

Really simple but effective and could be filled with all sorts and decorated in many different ways.
I saw a version of this whilst scrolling through YouTube , there are many different ways, have a look...

Unfortunately, my 'practice' workshop tomorrow has been cancelled so I'm just going to have to go for it on Friday....wish me luck.

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xxx
Supplies used: All SU unless stated.
Real Red cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Old Olive cardstock and ink, 5 petal flower punch, pillow box die, lace ribbon border punch.
Non SU; cellophane and tissue paper.

Nervous week ahead....

Evening.....

I am getting a bit nervous now this week has started....I have my first Stampin' Up workshop on Friday and I'm all on my own!!!!  I know the ladies will be lovely and I feel quite confident about my make and takes but that doesn't stop me feeling slightly aprehensive about it.
I'll post later in the week what we are making as I don't want to spoil the surprise if anyone coming does have a look at my blog.
 I do have a session with some ladies on Thursday as a bit of a warm up ( You may remember I did a workshop  a while ago with a group of ladies who had never crafted before - they enjoyed it so much I have been asked back!)

The boys had a bit of shocking news last week, one of their friends is going to South Africa to live....next week..... so they have asked me to make a quick card (and quick it was!!!)

I've used the Need for Speed set (I was thinking Sun, Sea and Speedboats...not sure if they will even be by the sea!!!!)
The backing is vellum that I embossed using the perfect polka dots folder.  I used a brayer to ink the folder up before putting it through the big shot machine.
I would like to think that the boys will stay in tough and the old fashioned me thinks it may be nice for them to have a penpal but the realistic me thinks any communication will be done via email......such a shame!!

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xx
Supplies used - All SU unless stated.
Marina Mist cardstock and ink, Old Olive cardstock and ink, Real Red cardstock and ink, Need for Speed stamp set, Vellum cardstock.
Sentiment (non SU) from a set free with a magazine.

Christmas.....nearly!

I have been for cuddles with baby Harry today and he is beautiful....almost makes me think about having another.....well..... almost!!!!

I was having a play with things for the boys teachers and I have to say I was having a nightmare as I don't normally 'do' Christmas cards but I came up with this....

 This is my first attempt at a poinsettia using the five petal flower punch.  I punched out 2 red flowers and ran them through a crimper then punched 2 green flowers but cut the petals up, inked the edges and then stuck the individual petals to the back of the flower....hope that makes sense!!
 The yellow centre is made from punching out 3 small circles (I used a hole punch and used the waste!) and added some black dots and some glaze.

Whatever I decide to make or buy them will also have a matching tag as this was really easy to make and is really effective.
The sentiment has been added on top of the new lace ribbon border punch.  Its a beautiful punch although I'm covering most of it here.  I'm sure you'll see this on many projects.

The boys have quite a bit of homework to do today so I'm off to give them a hand (whilst I still can - I'm sure it won't be long before I'll be baffled!)

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xx

Supplies used: All  SU unless stated.  5 petal flower punch. real red card stock and ink, wild wasabi cardstock and ink, lace ribbon border punch, curly cute stamp set.

My new baby card

Before I start.....a confession!!
I don't have any SU baby stamps so the following card isn't all SU!!!

I was debating buying a new baby card....what!!!!...but decided my lovely nephew may be a bit miffed if I didn't make them a card so I was up late doing this......

I have to say (and I'm sure you can tell) I am loving the petite pennant builder punch.  Although I have only used it as bunting at the moment, there is so much you can do with it - definately a great purchase!!!  I'll have a play and let you see some samples of what can be done with it.

I am yet to meet Harry although I have seen some pictures and he is cute cute cute!  Hopefully I am seeing them at the weekend.

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xx

Supplies used: Wild wasabi cardstock and ink, Marina mist cardstock, ribbon and ink, petite pennant builder punch and pearls. 
Non SU - stamps and nestabilities

Great Auntie Clair....

How exciting....... my lovely nephew has become the proud father to baby Harry tonight, weighing 8lb 1oz and both mummy and baby are doing great.

Can't believe I am a great Aunt...it sounds so old, but it's fab news and I'm really pleased for them.

On a darker note, I got told off today........for not keeping my blog more up to date so apologies and I will try really hard to keep on top of things (I have been really busy lately....I'm not slacking...honest!)

So, I have made a male card.......shock horror.....
I was playing about with a new set called Need for Speed and this is what I came up with....

Do you think the backing paper looks a bit like planks of wood?  I saw an effect at training with Amanda a few weeks ago so though I would have a go.  Its just cardstock scored at 1/2 inch intervals and then I rubbed inkpads across....not sure if it does look like wood but I like the effect anyway.

 I stamped the quadbike with chocolate chip ink and then crumpled up the paper.  Using the distress kit from the catalogue I inked over the image and scuffed both the bike topper and the blue matt and layer with the edge of the scissors.

I thought the inside needed a bit of decoration....

Well, thats it from me tonight, I'm off to start a new baby card......
Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xxx

Supplies used; all SU products unless stated.
river rock and marina mist cardstock, chocolate chip, river rock, old olive and marina mist inkpads, need for speed stamp set and happy birthday hostess only stamp set and linen thread.

Evening All....

Getting ready to sit down and watch the children in need concert but thought I would show you the card I made for my niece whose birthday is later in the month.  I will have to post it so it's fairly flat...

Not entirely sure how old she is going to be (how awful) but its 14 or 15 so this is quite funky for a teen.  Its using a new stamp set from the hostess collection, it's a great set that only hostessess can order so if you want to have this set you need to have a party!!!  Get in touch if you are interested in having a party....

The bunting has been punched using the petite pennants builder punch....there is soooo much you can use this punch for so it's a much have!!!
I have to admit that the alphabet (Amie) isn't from SU, I haven't managed to get my hands on them yet and I had this already!!

My husband is off work tomorrow and we're off Christmas shopping.....really want to get the majority of it done so I will be fit to drop this time tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xxx

Busy, busy....

Morning....

Am having quite a productive Monday morning so far, hope it continues this way.  We have a fashion show for the kids at school tonight to raise funds for the school and I'm helping out so I've got to nip to the shops to get some bits.  We did the show a few years ago and although its pretty hectic, the kids loved it!!!

I have made a birthday card for my lovely friend who is celebrating her special day next week.

Really struggled to get a decent picture of this for some reason...

The stamp set is Cottage Garden, two step stamp set, with pool party, wisteria wonder and perfect plum ink pads.  The flower is made using the five petal punch and boho blossom flower punch and the sentiment is from a set called curly cute.

Right, best get on,
Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xx

Proud Mum....

What a proud Mummy I am today...  Aaron took part in the rememberance parade through town this morning and it really did bring a lump to my throat.  He did so well and looked so grown up.....

Waiting for the parade to start.

My grown up boy....

So, reindeer food!!!!  I seem to always have the pleasure(!) in making this every year for our school fayre, thank goodness it's a small school!

I have made 100 in total....

I have made the bags out of wrapping paper (cheapest option really!) and wrapped the food in clingfilm and stuck them to the bag.  The reindeer food is porridge oats with sugar that I have coloured red and green with food colouring.

I have this week off work so I am hoping to have a very crafty week getting ready for Christmas, I want to make the teachers pressies and stuff, got lots of ideas so we'll see what they end up with!!!!

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care xx