Lets try again....

I have had a bit of advice on what I am doing wrong with my photos so here's hoping this works.......

This card was for my niece who turned 16 over the weekend.  I bought this stamp set and punch after seeing lots of blogs and posts on pinterest, it really is a lovely set and I have used it quite a bit since getting it!

Yay......it worked! I am back in business (as they say!) I am so untechnical and feel very foolish at my ignorance but I am getting there....slowly.

I have clear embossed the three butterflies and punched them out, then I really like double mounting them.  I do think this card is quite girly but quite grown up too....I'm sure she liked it!  I wasn't able to see her on her special day as we had no heating, hot water or electric so had to wait in for various men!!!

Anyway, I have card club tomorrow and we are making some Christmas gifts so looking forward to spreading some Christmas cheer....will share with you asap x

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care

Supplies used: All SU unless stated; Papillion Potpourri stamp set, Elegant Butterfly punch, Baja Breeze card, Daffodil Delight card, Tangerine Tango card, clear embossing powder, versamark pad, Floral District DSP, Pool Party Bakers Twine, Curly Cute stamp set.
Non SU: alphabet die

Teddy Bear Card

As promised, although a day late, here is the teddy bear card that I have made using my new Heart Collection framelits that I was lucky enough to be given as a pressie for promotion from my amazing upline, Amanda.  The lovely thing about working with Stampin' Up is that you are given lots of incentives and lovely gifts for doing something you love!!!!   It's not hard work at all!!!!

I made the Teddy Bear card after seeing a you tube video and I made a note of the lovely lady who had posted the video so that I could share it......do you think I can find it now???  Of course not so I'm really sorry for not being able to give her the credit but I will look again and let you know on a future post!

Ok, just to let you know, I am having trouble uploading photos....arrggh!!! I have been trying since Tuesday night so I am not able to show the cute teddy bear until I can figure out why I can't do it and not being technical is a problem........Promise to be back as soon as I have sorted the problem

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care

Clair xx 

Well, Well, Well....

what a few weeks I've had.  It seems to be the same old story with me about being busy and running around after the boys and this time is no different but last week I was out EVERY night with different things and I was shattered!!!  Thankfully we have had a nice quiet weekend with no football today so I am feeling slightly more refreshed!!!!

I do also seem to have lost my mojo in amoungst all the chaos.....I really don't have much to show for all the time I have been away!
Its my great nephews (I'm not that old...honest!) 1st Birthday this week.  My nephew is a gorgeous lad in every way, I have often told my sister that if my two boys end up half as good as her son I will be happy. Anyway, Harry is one this week and he is having a little party that we have all been invited to so we'll be celebrating next weekend.

Here is the card I have made.  I have recently purchased the Owl Builder punch after seeing some really lovely creations with it so here is my first attempt.....

It has turned out differently to how I pictured it but quite happy with my first try and I'm sure Harry will love it!!!!!
I have made a teddy bear card for the boys to give him, I'll try and post that one tomorrow.

The C word is fast approaching and we are getting there although the boys lists are shocking with some really bizarre requests, Aaron has a countdown app on his ipod so I am often told how long they have yet!!!

Thanks for stopping by and for your patience,
Take care

Supplies used: All SU unless stated: Not Quite Navy card and ink, Real Red DSP, Crumb Cake card, Early Espresso card, Lucky Limeade card, Little Leaves Die, Boho Blossom punch, Owl Builder punch, Up, Up and Away stamp set, Create a cupcake satmp set, Bitty Banners Framelits, Woodgrain embossing folder, Pettit Pennants Builder Punch,
Non SU; Die cut alphabet.

Stressed and Challenged!!!

I am feeling a little stressed as Aaron has 3 friends over for a sleep over.  There are currently 5 lads laid out on my lounge floor, eating chocolate, watching a DVD but talking to each other like they are miles apart....how can they all talk sooo loudly when they are not too far from each other (I don't live in a mansion!)  In all honestly, they have been great really, can't complain!

I had been hoping to get a bit of crafting done tonight but that hasn't gone to plan but I won't complain about it!  I am going to try with the Simply Stampin challenge again this week.

It's a colour challenge and wasn't sure what to do but came up with something.  It's my Dads birthday next week so I made this for the boys to give him.

I've used a new stamp set called Blue Ribbon.  I did mean to cut the 'Happy Birthday' with a circle die but didn't look at it first so didn't realise that it was a star shape but quite liked it so I left it.  I have stamped the sentiment onto pool party card with versamark and heat embossed it with clear embossing powder.  I did the same with the stars. The bottom is cut using the adorning accents edgelits and embossing folders.
I then decided to add 'Gramps' to make the card more personal.....

Anyway, hopefully I won't have a really late night, I'm yawning already though so the boys better not keep me up too late!!!!

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care

Supplies used; all SU unless stated: Early Espresso card, Pool Party card and ink, Whisper White card, Versamark, clear embossing powder, Blue Ribbon stamp set, Adorning Accents Edgelits and Embossing folder, Daffodil Delight stiched ribbon and DSP.
Non SU: Star shaped die, Letter Dies

Happy Saturday....

Good Morning, I know its cold but we have bright sunshine through the kitchen window and I am feeling really bright and breezy today.  I'm really glad its half term, we all really need the break and we have a halloween party to look forward to tonight!!!! Things are good!!!!

I had card club this week and it was good fun as always.  We made a little Christmas project, a spritzed butterfly card (a bit like the last post without the glue topper!) and this card using the appropriately named Fabulous You stamp set.....it is a beautiful stamp.

There is only one shoe in the set but I stamped the front shoe, masked it off and then stamped the second shoe.  I have used the 2011/2013 in colours which I am still loving.....The paper is from a retired set that I can't even remember the name of (how awful!)
I was having another play with this set and it looks amazing heat embossed, coloured in or glittered.

Right, I'm off to get prepared for tonight and try and make myself look scary......well, scarier than normal anyway!!
Thanks for stopping by,
Take Care

Supplies used;all SU unless stated: Fabulous You stamp set, Calypso Coral ink and card stock, retired DSP, Framelit dies, jewels.
Non SU: small flower punch.

Glue Toppers...

 I went to a local craft shop yesterday as they were running a free drop in session with an amazing lady called Michelle who was demonstrating some fabulous techniques with many things but one was with glue......Yes, you read right, GLUE.

I will try and put together a step by step post to show you as it maybe easier that way but basically you put a big blob of glue onto a craft mat using a hot glue gun, allow to cool slightly then add glitter or/and embossing powder and heat slightly with a heat gun.  Once it's dry, peel off the sheet and I then ran it through the big shot....the possibilities could be endless.

This is a really simple card but pretty and girly and I have to admit I was just playing after the demo but I do quite like the way this had turned out.  I have placed some die cut butterflies from the beautiful wings embosslits folder on the white strip of card and spritzed it with my favourite tool at the moment using the new 2012/2014 in colours, primrose petals and summer starfruit.  I then used the beautiful butterflies bigz die to cut my sparkly glue topper...impressive when you think its glue!!!

Anyway, I promise that this is not becoming a weekly blog!!!!  I know that I am only posting once a week at the moment but I am trying to fit more in and life is slowing down a bit with the kids so I should be able to pop in a bit more often...

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care

Supplies used; all SU unless stated: Crumb Cake card, Primrose Petals card and marker pen, Summer Starfruit ink and marker pen, Beautiful Wings embosslits, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Petite Pairs Stamps.
Non SU; Hot Glue Gun

Christmas...well nearly!

Wow, I can't believe it's been a week since I last posted anything...sorry!

I have a christmas card to show you today and I really love it.  If you are a regular reader you will know that I don't really 'do' christmas cards but I really like this one.  I saw the idea on Splitcoast stampers and just tweaked it a bit.

The card and matching tag.....what do you think? The tag was one I had lying around so the match isn't great when photographed together but I think this idea is really cool.  I have even made Aarons birthday Thank you cards like this (not Christmas though.....obviously!) I'll pop back sometime this week to show you those.

We have had another busy weekend of sporting events. Yesterday the boys were in a school rugby tournament which involved an early start and then today Elliot had football, again, an early start!!! The team have been unbeated so far in the league and have yet to conceed a goal so all in all everyone is happy (except me really as  I soo need a lie in at weekends therefore feeling particularly grouching tonight!!!)

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care

Supplies used; All SU unless stated: Crumb cake card, Cherry Cobbler card, Festive paper piercing pack, Festival of prints DSP, Petite Pairs stamp set, Glimmer Brad, Word Window Punch, Linen Thread

I made top 3.....

Well, top 4 actually in the Simply Stampin Challenge blog as they couldn't narrow it down to three, Thanks ladies, I was very pleased.

Today is Aarons Birthday, he is 10 and very excited about hitting double figures!!  He is having a lovely day so far, we have been to watch Elliot in a cup game this morning, which they won 2-0, we are home chilling now and then off out for tea later with 20 friends and family to his favourite resturant!!

I promised you a card using lovely new goodies so I won't go back on that but I may have to push the boat out and show you 2!!! These are two we made at card club this month.

 This one is using a set called Betsy's Blossom. We have also used the new woodgrain enbossing folder.

This is from a hostess only set called Summer Afternoon and its a lovely one, it has a little bit of colouring in which is always therapeutic.  For some reason my computer seems to have just gone a bit silly and isn't letting me do what I want!!! (It isn't the user at all, honest!!!).  Anyway hopefully, I'll sort it for next time but until then Thanks for stopping by, Take care.  Clair x

 

Simply Stampin Challenge

I know I promised you lots of lovely new cards but I'm going to have to tease you some more as I've made a card that I am putting into the simply stampin challenge and if I don't do it tonight I will be too late.

I am an awful blogger as the brand new catalogue went live on Monday and I didn't/haven't posted anything new but as always I ran out of time. I know I'm not alone but there really isn't enough hours in the day at th moment and I can't see it getting any easier.....not going to admit defeat just yet though!!!!

So, the card is for my very special friends daughter. I'm holding a workshop for her and her friends on Saturday, never done a childrens party before, so should be fun

 I have heat embossed the sentiment onto the wing of the butterfly with clear emossing powder.  I have spritzed the backing pink card with the pink, blue and green but that isn't showing up in the photos.

 Decided to make her a matching key ring or bag charm.....the other side has her initial stamped on it!

Both together, very cute.

I promise you a card using new products tomorrow, honest!!!


Thanks for stopping by,
Take care

Supplies used: All SU unless stated; Whisper white card, Pretty in pink card and ink, Bashful blue card, Certainly celery card, Delicate doilies stamp set, Beautiful wings embosslits, 1 3/8" circle punch, Gems, Tiny tags stamp set. Clear embossing powder. Very vanilla seam binding ribbon.
Non SU; keyring

Goodbye....

So, todays the last day of the current idea book and catalogue.....so that can only mean one thing..... the brand new shiny catalogue launches tomorrow!!!! 

Very exciting!!!!

I had card club last week and we used new stamp sets and an older set, although not retired.  I thought I would show you the card made using a lovely set that I really haven't used enough.  Its a really simple card but quite effective.

I have stamped the image onto crumb cake card with crumb cake ink and then randomly pierced around the leaves.  I used the stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the greeting.  I love my stamp-a-ma-jig, its a simple but fabulous accessory that I cannot live without.  It works every time!!!!

We had a great weekend away but glad to be back, I really missed the boys.  Our weekends won't be getting any quieter though!!!  Life is hectic but I'm sure I wouldn't want it any other way.

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care

Supplies used, All SU unless stated: Lucky Limeade card, Crumb Cake card and ink, First Edition DSP, Bakers twine, Just Believe stamp set, Paper Piercing tool and mat pack.

30th Birthday wishes

Its my nephews girlfriends 30th birthday this weekend and we are unable to join her celebrations as we are going away for the weekend (2nd on the trot!!)  We went camping last weekend and we had a fabulous time.  I haven't done "proper" camping before and we loved it!!!  This weekend we are away having won a two night break away.  Its like buses, wait long enough and two come together!!!!

So, the card I have made is using some old and new Stampin' Up products,

Hopefully the birthday girl will have a great day and like the card.

The frame is using a new set called Papaya Collage, it has some lovely images.  I might be using it alot!

There are only a few days left of this current catalogue so you need to be quick if you want to order anything so get in tough if you want (or NEED) anything.

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care

Supplies Used; All SU unless stated: Perfect Plum card and ink, Pretty in Pink card and ink, Vintage wallpaper embossing folder, Papaya Collage set, Beautiful Wings embosslit, First Edition DSP, Confetti Cream xard, Very Vanilla card, Pearls, Elementary Elegance stampset (sale-a-bration)
Non SU; '30' die, cream satin ribbon.

Yummy cakes.....

...and these are the only cakes I can enjoy at the moment as I am desperately trying to be good with what I am eating.  I read a piece in the paper on Monday (the day I started being good!) and it said that a huge percentage of people who start dieting on a Monday have given up by the Tuesday....trying not to be in that statistic!!!!!

Anyway, I have a couple of young girls to make birthday cards for so after having a few dry days where I couldn't have come up with anything I had a play and came up with this card using the new 'in' colours and a set you may recognise from earlier in the year!!!

The colours I have used are Primrose Petals and Summer Starfruit and the stamp set is Create a Cupcake.  This set was in the summer mini catalogue but thankfully it has made the shiny new annual catalogue and the style of this card ws CASED from the catalogue.  I have a busy few weeks but looking forward to it but if you would like to book a workshop please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thanks for stopping by
Take care

Supplies used; all SU unless stated; Whisper white card, Summer Starfruit card, marker and ink, Primrose Petals card, marker and ink, Create a Cupcake stamp set, Cupcake builder punch, 3/4" circle punch, word window punch, 2 3/8" scallop circle punch, gems, spritzer tool.
Non SU: Nestabilities circle die.

Topsy Turvy and all over the place.....

I seem to have got everything confused this week, I've been getting my days mixed up and quite honestly I've been all over the place!!!!  Think an early night might be in order!!!

I have made a card today that hasn't used any stamping.  I don't often make card with alot of papers as I just don't seem to ever get it right.  My friend, hanmadedesign.co.uk , makes some really lovely cards using papers primarily and they are lovely so I have attempted one.....

The flower has been made using the blossom punch, I punched it 4 times, attached them  with a brad and scrunched it all together.  I have used 'old' papers for this card as I still love this set but with all the papers leaving us this month I think you may still glimpse a piece or two of old favourites.

I am going to enter this card in the Simply Stampin Challenge Blog this week.

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care

Supplies used:All SU unless stated; Lucky Limeade card, Pool Party card and ink, Crumb Cake card, Blossom Punch, Window Frame Framelits, Paper Piercing pack, Everyday Enchantment DSP, mat pack and paper piercer

SO EXCITED!!!!!

Oh, I am SOOO excited.  My man in brown has not long arrived and I have just opened a box of pure loveliness.  As demonstrators we are able to pre-order certain items from the up coming catalogues and so my box contained items from the new annual catalogue and having had my first look through the REAL catalogue (as opposed to the online version) I can't begin to tell you how fabulous it is!!!!

It is bigger and better than before and I have to admit each year I think they can't improve but oh....they have and do every time!

I am going to have a play later with new colours, new pads, new papers and new stamps.  This is a shocking hobby to have as you just can't have too much stuff (although I'm not sure my husband would agrees) but you do NEED it all....honestly!!

Anyway, I have a workshop booked tomorrow and their make and take is using a set from the new seasonal catalogue, scentsational season.  This time I used the cute little gingerbread man, he is lovely.

 What do you think of the little man.....he is sweet!!!

How funny.....my son is just looking through the new catalogue and is almost having a fit, oohhing and arrhhing over it although some of the sets he is excited about are  in the current book, bless him.

Looking forward to my workshop tomorrow and hopefully I can give you a sneek peek at some new items later in the week.  If you would like to book a workshop and be able to get your hands on some fabulous Stampin' Up goodies then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thanks for stopping by,
Take care

Supplies used: All SU unless stated; Crumb Cake card and ink, Perfect Polka dot embossing folder, Lucky Limeade card and ink, Whisper White card, Scentsational Season stamp set, Word Window punch, 3/4" circle punch, sentiment from Tiny Tags, Festival of Prints DSP, Bakers Twine.

Christmas in September

Really shocked I am even thinking that but I have a workshop booked tomorrow and the lovely lady requested Christmas.....I have it all planned!  There will be boxes, decorations and cards.  The card that the ladies are making  could be for something other than Christmas though because I know one lady won't be too happy that it has a totally festive feel....

This is a card using some scrummy bits from the new seasonal catalogue.  The made image is from the Scentsational Season stamp set that has framelits dies to match so it make it very easy to throw a card together.
The papers are from a new set of DSP called Festival of Prints and its great, it has some Christmassy designs and some non Christmassy so you gets lots for your money.

They boys are back at school tomorrow and I think they are a bit nervous but we can't believe how the time has flown, I will really miss them but I guess it will be good for all of us to get back into a routine.

Thanks for stopping by
Take care

Supplies used: All SU; Island Indigo card and ink, Crumb Cake card, Festival of Prints DSP, Scentsational Season, Holiday Collection Framelit Dies, Window Frame Collection Framelit Dies, Festive paper piercing pack, sentiment from Easy Events.

Lots of Changes.....

Oh my Goodness, what can I say???!!!!!

We have an exciting few weeks ahead with the launch of a new Autumn/Winter catalogue yesterday (I know, I'm late posting....sorry!) and only a few more short weeks to wait for the BRAND NEW annual catalogue!

I haven't anything to show tonight, I just wanted to let you all know what was happening and I'll be back tomorrow with a lovely card.

If you are interested in having a look at the new seasonal catalogue and book a party then do not hesitate to get in touch, I would love to come and show you some lovely new stamps and accessories.

Thanks for stopping by
Take care

Just Believe...

and it may come true.......

I really love this set but I really don't use it enough.  I made this card using a technique I saw in Craft Stamper magazine that I bought whilst on holiday.  I hadn't bought the magazine before and I really liked it and might have to make it a regular purchase.

The technique was using a bog standard highlighter pen... I like it when you can find a use out of an every day things.

I die cut a circle of  white card and covered it completely with the highlighter pen.  I then distressed it using the distressing essentials kit.  The main image is from the Just Believe set and then the stiching effect was done using the mat pack and paper piercer.  I have heat embossed the sentiment using white embossing powder with a retired sentiment stamp.

The boys have a friend over for a sleepover tonight....and think it may be a long one!!!
Wish me luck!

Thanks for stopping by
Take care

Supplies used; all SU unless stated: Whisper white card, basic black card, Just Believe stamp set, distressing essentials kit, mat pack and paper piercer, white embossing powder, versamark ink pad.
Non SU: Highlighter pen, white gel pen