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