The Secret Crafter

Strawberry Kisses - Sneak peek

2012-01-04T14:14:00.000Z

Hi all

Here's another sneak peek for you from the new Strawberry Kisses range to be launched on Create and Craft on Friday 6th January.

I stamped 2 images on to Neenah card and paper pieced the star and then coloured the second image with my Spectrum Noir pens and cut it out and decoupaged on top of the paper pieced star. The rest of the stars were cut out on my eCraft machine from the Fundamentals 1 SD card which comes with the machine. Here are the colours I used:-

Suitcase - 91,94,96,98,120,13,11,171,179, 169,104

Dog - 132,142,36,102,171,68

I'll be back on Friday with another card. Thank you for visiting.

Crafters Companion Blog Hop & New Range of stamps

2012-01-01T11:00:00.001Z

Happy New Year to everyone and what a way to start with this fabulous new launch from Crafters Companion of the Strawberry Kisses range by Sally Hunter. My card is made with papers from the CD Rom and one of the fabulous cute images which has been stamped onto Neenah card and coloured with the Spectrum Noir pens. Below is a list of the colours I used:-

CG7, CG8, CG9, 120, 8, 137, 15

The flowers are also printed from the CD Rom and uses 1 x A4 sheet.

Please scroll down for details of the blog hop and fabby prize from Crafters Companion

Here's a close up

Crafter's Companion are starting the New Year with a bang, launching the first of a new range, with artwork designed by the creator of Humphrey's Corner - Sally Hunter. The Strawberry Kisses range (including twelve stamps and a co-ordinating CD-ROM) will be Pick of the Week on Create & Craft from Midday on Friday!

To celebrate the launch, Crafter's Companion have organised a Blog Hop around some of the Design Team's blogs! If you have landed here from Carol's blog then you are hopping in the right direction. If not then you need to pop over to the Crafter’s Companion News blog to begin.

Everyone on the Design Team had so much fun creating with this new stamp range from Crafter’s Companion and to celebrate the launch of these stunning new collections on Friday 6th January you have the chance to win:

All twelve new Strawberry Kisses stamps and a co-ordinating papercrafting CD-ROM!

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning this great prize is visit each blog in order and then go back to the Crafter’s Companion News Views and Inspiration Blog to leave a comment about the range. On Friday January 6th, Crafter's Companion will pick one comment at random, to win the prize.

From here, you need to hop to Pam’s blog.

Keep popping back to see more sneak peeks!

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Week 158

2011-10-29T09:00:00.005+01:00

This is my DT card for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - the theme this week, chosen by my DT buddy Bridget, is

SPOOKY OR WHIMSICAL

I've really enjoyed making this card and have used my favourite colours and lots of sparkly
gems. I've used an Emerald Fairy image and coloured with my Tria markers. I've also used several dies and punches and a little bit of shimmery ribbon has been threaded through one of the borders, although it isn't very noticeable on the pic. The background papers are aNitwit collection called 'Promises' and they are so lush.

Here's a couple more pics for you

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:-

Emerald Faeries - Flowers, flowers, flowers

Paper Sundae - Sparkle and flowers

Make it Monday - Anything Goes

Stamps R us - Natures gifts

Creative Craft Challenge - Fancy Edges

Deep Ocean - Sweet

Inky Impressions - Anything goes

Simon Says - Anything goes

The Paper Shelter - Anything goes

Charisma Cardz - Anything goes

Digi Doodles - Anything goes

Papercrafting Journey - Use a digi
Sew Many - 2 Backgrounds
Cardmakin' Mama's - Cut it out

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Week 157

2011-10-22T09:00:00.003+01:00

Today it's time for another Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge and this is my DT card for the theme of

WRAP UP WARM

which this week has been chosen by the lovely Andie.

I found this lovely image by Wee Stamps and I just had to buy it, isn't she cute? I thought she looked cosy and warm in her furry coat and boots and fitted the theme perfectly - she is called Winter Fairy. I coloured her in with my Tria markers and added a little stardust stickles to make her wings sparkly.

I just discovered that my DT buddy Andie has also used this image - great minds think alike eh? To see her finished card and to check out the rest of the DT projects visit the Challenge blog and prepare to be wowed.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Make it Monday - Anything goes

Tip Top Tuesday - Layer it up

Marianne's Design Diva's - Dying to diecut

My time to craft - Punches and dies

I love Promarkers - Ain't it cute

Christmas Stampin' all year long - Sparkly

Man's card

2011-10-18T12:06:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone!

Today I am showing you a birthday card I've just made for my Son - one of his hobbies is clay pigeon shooting so I thought this fun digi image from 'Just Inklined' would fit the bill.

I have coloured him in with my Tria markers and distressed around the edges with scattered straw and brushed corduroy distress ink pads. The paper pad I used is called 'Lush' and is by Kaisercraft.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Truly Scrumptious - Distressing

Cardmadfairy's Digi Days Challenge - Spots and Stripes

Stamptacular - You choose

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Week 156

2011-10-15T09:00:00.005+01:00

It's Saturday and time for a new Secret Crafter Challenge. It was my turn to choose the theme for this week and I chose:-

WHITE + ONE OTHER COLOUR

(not counting the colour of the image)

I used my Tria alcohol markers to colour this gorgeous Magnolia image in my favourite shades of purple.

You may remember me showing you on an earlier post my huge pile of new dies that I'd had for my birthday and I used some of them for the white background, the borders and the lovely swirl. They are Cheery Lynn dies and they cut out beautifully.

The sentiment if from Lili of the Valley and finished off with a few flowers and a feather from my stash.

Pop over to the challenge blog to see some lovely inspirational work by my crafty DT buddies.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Dream Valley - Monochrome
One stitch at a time - Anything goes
Paper Sundae - Favourite colour combo
Forever Friends - Use a sentiment
Make it Monday - Anything goes
Anything goes challenge - diecuts/punches or both
Deep Ocean - Happy Birthday
Delightful sketches - Make it dimensional
Prairie Fairy - Sugar and Spice

SWALK Winter Cheer - Sneak peek 5

2011-10-12T13:28:00.002+01:00

Only 2 more sleeps to go before the launch of the lovely Crafters Companion SWALK Winter Cheer collection of 12 stamps and a CD Rom which will be Pick of the Week from midday on Create and Craft.

Here is another sneaky peek from me and on this card I've used 2 images - 'Winter Wonderland' and 'I love mince pies', which I've coloured with Spectrum Noir pens. The backing papers are from the CD Rom.

Here's a close up of the image

For the snow effect I've used fluffy stuff which I applied and sprinkled with glitter and then heated to 'puff it up'.

Hope you've enjoyed the sneak peeks, I've enjoyed showing these lovely images to you and thank you for your lovely comments.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Anything Goes Challenge - Diecuts/punches or both

One stop Craft - Anything goes

ABC - Anything Goes

Delightful Challenge - Make it Dimensional

Penny's Challenge - Anything goes

One stitch at a time - Anything Goes

Make it Monday - Anything goes

Swalk Winter Cheer - Sneak peek 4

2011-10-11T11:42:00.000+01:00

It's time for another sneak peek of the SWALK Winter Cheer stamp set and CD rom. This cutie is called 'Snowflakes are little kisses' and will be available from Create and Craft from midday on Friday 14th October as a Pick of the Week launch.

I coloured with Crafters Companion Spectrum Noir alcohol pens and the background paper is from the CD - I used core'dinations card for matting and layering.

It's fun being on the Crafters Companion Design Team and if you would like a chance to join us for 3 months they are running a competion to celebrate their birthday and all you need to do to enter is to make a birthday card and send it in for a chance to win this fantastic prize. You can find more details here.

Don't forget to take a look at the tutorial on yesterday's post on how to make an easel tag pull out card - and if you give it a go come back and leave me a comment so I can visit you.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Anything Goes Challenge - Diecuts/punches or both

ABC - Anything Goes

Delightful Challenge - Make it Dimensional

Penny's Challenge - Anything goes

Paper Crafting Journey - Diecuts and/or punches

One stitch at a time - Anything Goes

TUTORIAL - Pull out tab easel card

2011-10-10T17:37:00.003+01:00

Hello again

I've been asked if I could do a tutorial on how to make the easel card with the pull out tab (similar to the one above). So, as promised here it is - this is the first tutorial I've done so if you're not sure about anything or you think I've missed something out, please let me know.

The above card is actually an 8x8 but this was a sample for Crafters Companion and so I don't have this card here to take the measurements from but as I've already got a 6x6 version here I've based the tutorial on those measurements.

Step 1

Take a blank 6x6 card and score the front flap at 3" and fold as shown above.

Step 2

Pic above shows you where to stick your double sided tape

Step 3

Cut a piece of 6x6 cardstock and adhere to front flap where you applied the double sided tape (I've used a different colour so that it shows up better). That is the basis of your easel card.

Now we're going to make the pull out tab bit.

Step 4

Cut a piece of cardstock to 150mm x 150mm

This is how you measure and cut your card (hope you can read the measurements ok). I used my Hougie board to plot the measurements. The red lines are to be cut (I used a craft knife and ruler) and the blue lines are scored.

Follow the pic below and use valley and mountain folds along the scored lines.

This is what you get.

Step 5

Apply double sided tape underneath the narrow end flap as shown.

You can also see that I have cut a half circle at the front edge of this piece.

Step 6

Cut a piece of cardstock to 99mm x 133mm. Adhere one end to the flap where you applied the double sided tape and make a hole in the centre of the other end (not too close to the edge as this is where you thread your ribbon through to pull the flap out)

Step 7

Apply double sided tape in the areas shown above - to the underside and then stick it to the base of the easel card you prepared earlier.

Step 8

Da Da - that's it. Now you can decorate and cover with your chosen backing papers. Don't forget to thread some ribbon through the hole of the pull out bit.

Hope you've found this useful and can understand my instructions. If you do give it a try - let me know how you get on.

SWALK Winter Cheer - Sneak Peek 3

2011-10-10T09:58:00.002+01:00

Good morning all, and what a bleak, chilly morning it is.

Here's my 3rd sneak peek of the new SWALK Winter Cheer stamp collection and CD rom which is to be launched on Friday at midday as a Pick of the Week on Create and Craft.

As usual, I've coloured with the Crafters Companion Spectrum Noir pens and the backing paper is from the CD and I've used core'dinations card for matting and layering.

Here's a close up of the image.

I've been asked to do a tutorial for the easel card I made with the pull out section at the bottom, so I will be working on that today and will post it on here as soon as it's completed.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Anything Goes Challenge - Diecuts/punches or both

Papertake Weekly - Anything goes

ABC - Anything Goes

Delightful Challenge - Make it Dimensional

Penny's Challenge - Anything goes

Paper Crafting Journey - Diecuts and/or punches

One stitch at a time - Anything Goes

SWALK Winter Cheer - sneak peek 2

2011-10-09T13:45:00.014+01:00

Crafters Companion are very excited to announce the next launch in the SWALK range – Winter Cheer!

The range will be launching on Create & Craft as Pick of the Week at midday on Friday 14th October, and consists of twelve stamps and a co-ordinating papercrafting CD-ROM which has been designed to perfectly complement the stamps.

This is a sneak peek of one of the samples I've made for the launch show. For this card I've used the 'Time to Celebrate' stamp and I've coloured with Crafters Companion Spectrum Noir alcohol pens. I also used the pens to colour the plain white seam binding into lovely buttercup yellow (colour 141 from the pen set). The backing papers are from the CD rom and I used core'dinations card for matting and layering.

Here is a closer look at the image

I'll be back again tomorrow with another sneak peek for you.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:-

One stop Craft - Anything goes

Craft your passion - Anything goes with ribbon
One Stitch at a time - Anything goes

Forever Friends - Use a sentiment

Make it Monday - Anything goes

Anything Goes Challenge - Diecut/Punches or both

Papertake Weekly - Anything goes

ABC - Anything goes

Penny's Challenge - Anything goes

Papercrafting Journey - Diecuts and/or punches

New SWALK release sneak peek and Blog Hop

2011-10-08T09:00:00.004+01:00

PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGIES FOR THE BROKEN LINK TO LISA'S BLOG - IT IS NOW WORKING AGAIN. I HOPE IT DIDN'T SPOIL YOUR ENJOYMENT.

Hi all, and welcome to the Crafter’s Companion Blog Hop to celebrate the release of the SWALK Winter Cheer stamp range and papercrafting CD-ROM.

If you have landed here from Nandia's blog then you are hopping in the right direction. If not then you need to pop over to the Crafters Companion News Blog to begin.

The DT have had a great time creating with the new ranges from Crafter’s Companion and to celebrate the launch of these stunning new collections on Friday 14^th October we have decided to give you a chance to see some Sneak Peeks and also have the chance of winning a fabulous Prize:

All twelve new SWALK stamps and the co-ordinating papercrafting CD-ROM!

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning this great prize is visit each blog in order and then go back to the Crafter’s Companion News Views and Inspiration Blog to leave your link on Mr Linky.

Along the way you will notice that each Blog will give you a letter - make a note of these as they will make a word which we will ask you for if your number is drawn by Random.Org on the morning of Friday 14^th.

My letter is: T

From here, you need to hop to Lisa’s blog.

PLEASE DO NOT TELL US WHAT THE WORD IS ON THE CRAFTER’S COMPANION NEWS VIEWS AND INSPIRATION BLOG, WE WILL E-MAIL YOU FOR THE ANSWER IF YOUR MR LINKY NUMBER IS DRAWN.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Week 155

2011-10-08T08:59:00.002+01:00

Good morning all. I've been a bit of a bad blogger for the past couple of weeks as I've had so much to do. Hopefully back to normal now for a while.

This weeks Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge has been set by the lovely Tracie and she has chosen

ANYTHING GOES (as long as it sparkles)

This is my DT card for the theme and also this is one of the cards we will be making on the Secret Crafter

Christmas Card Dabble Day on 19th November. Click on the banner on the sidebar for more details about this event.

Wow - my DT buddies have done wonders this week - check out their work over at the challenge blog.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Make it Monday - Anything goes
Papertake Weekly - Anything goes
Penny's Challenge - Anything goes

NEWS and DABBLE DAY

2011-09-26T10:51:00.001+01:00

Some of you may have noticed that my shop website has been down for a couple of months now. Well the lease on my shop expires in Dec and to renew the lease the landlord wants to increase the rent by 50% and in this economic climate it's just too much so I was going to close my shop down.

However, that's all changed and I've now found a lovely little shop, close enough to home for me to be able to walk there and I get the keys on 1st November. I need to do some decorating and organising but I am planning to be up and running for business on Monday 7th November.

I will be running card making workshops on Tues evening, Weds morning, Weds evening, Thurs afternoon and possibly Thurs evening. If you are interested or know anyone that may be interested please call me on 0121 550 5377 for more details.

I am also organising a

Christmas Dabble Day on Sat, 19th November

Please click on the banner on the left hand sidebar for more information.

This will be a fun day and you will make 5 lovely Christmas Cards to take home with you.

If you want to come along please book early as there are limited spaces available.

I also have a DT call on my Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge blog - so if you have your own blog and want to be considered to be part of a fab team of ladies pop along to the challenge blog and add your blog link to the right hand sidebar. Good luck.

As you can see, there's loads happening and along with my DT work for Crafters Companion, I'm going to be a busy bee so please bear with me if I don't blog much. I will try to keep you informed as much as possible, as to what's happening.

I'll be back as soon as I can.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - 152

2011-09-17T20:23:00.002+01:00

Hi all.

So sorry for the late post today. I had internet problems and couldn't write up my post last night.

This is my DT card for this week's SECRET CRAFTER SATURDAY CHALLENGE which has been set by the lovely HELEN. She has chosen a theme of:-

ONE LAYER CARD

I've had a really busy week helping with some last minute projects and I was also asked to do my first
ever magazine commision which was rather daunting, however, it's now completed. So I'm afraid I've cheated a little on this as I ran out of time to do something, so I thought I would show you this project that I did about a month ago whilst attending a Barbara Gray workshop.

If you pop along to the Secret Crafter Challenge Blog you will see some lovely work done by my DT buddies and don't forget we still have a DT call, details can also be found over there.

Ooops, I made a boo boo!

2011-09-11T19:42:00.000+01:00

Don't know where my head's been but I've been posting the wrong info about the Crafters Companion Christmas Humphrey, Pick of the Days launch.

It is actually on Tuesday, 13th September at 9.00 pm on Ideal World and not Monday (for some reason I thought it was the 13th on Monday).

Don't forget to tune in - it's worth it, you'll love them.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge no. 151

2011-09-10T09:00:00.000+01:00

I can't believe it's Saturday already - it's time for another Secret Crafter Saturday challenge and this week the theme has been set by the lovely Francesca and it's:-

INSPIRED BY A SONG

The song I have chosen is 'Looking through the window' by Jackson Five.

For my card I used:

Image by Little Claire

Spellbinder dies

Distress Inks - Brushed Corduroy and Worn Lipstick

Papers - Nitwits

Coloured with Tria Markers

Check out the work by my fellow DT buddies at the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge blog. We also have a DT call - if you are interested and would like to be considered visit the challenge blog and leave a link to your blog using Mr. Linky at the top right hand corner.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:-

Make it Monday - Anything goes
Creative Card Crew - Anything goes
Papertake Weekly - Anything goes
Little Red Wagon - Use a die cut

Charisma Cardz - Inspired by a song

It's my birthday today and my dear hubby bought me a load of dies, they arrived yesterday and I laid them all out on the table and took a photo, there's so many I could hardly fit them all on. Just look at what I got - I'm such a lucky bunny.

Humphrey Christmas sneak peek no. 5

2011-09-09T09:54:00.002+01:00

Here I am again with another sneak peek.

This is my favourite - it takes me absolutely ages to colour and with 2 images on this one it took forever. Both of these images and the sentiments are from the Ho! Ho! Ho! set and are stamped onto Neenah card and coloured with Spectrum Noir pens. The verse is from the CD.

Here is a side view of the card

I used loads of Co'redinations card and several different punches to finish off.

Have I told you how much I love these stamps and CD's? Not long to go now before you can get yours. Tune in to Ideal World on Monday, 13th September at 9.00pm for the Humphrey Christmas launch.

Visit the Crafters Companion News and Inspiration blog for more updates and sneak peeks.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Make it Monday - Anything goes
Creative Card Crew - Anything goes
Papertake Weekly - Anything goes
Little Red Wagon - Use a die cut
Paper Play - Use 2 or more stamped images
My Mum's Craft Shop - Lots of layers
Simon Says - Multifold cards/creations

Here's Humphrey Christmas sneak peek no. 4

2011-09-08T10:44:00.002+01:00

Here's another sneak peek from the Crafters Companion Pick of the Day launch at 9.00 pm on Monday 13th September on Ideal World.

This little image has been coloured with Spectrum Noir pens and I've added fun flock for the fur and some glitter for the snow and I put them inside a globe. The shaped card is made from one of the templates from CD2.

Come back again tomorrow for my favourite card of them all.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Make it Monday - Anything goes
Creative Card Crew - Anything goes
Papertake Weekly - Anything goes
Little Red Wagon - Use a die cut

Humphrey Christmas sneak peek no. 3

2011-09-07T20:00:00.002+01:00

Hi again

So sorry it's a late post today - I've had another hectic day, I just don't know where the time goes to.

This is my 3rd Humphrey Christmas sneak peek - using the stamp plate called 'Auld Lang Syne' from the Ho! Ho! Ho! collection, I've coloured with Spectrum Noir pens and used papers from the CD, the sentiment is also from the stamp plate.

Here's another view of the card from a different angle.

Don't forget to visit HERE for the chance to win the full set.

I've got some more sneak peeks to show you but I'm saving the best till last, so keep popping by.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Make it Monday - Anything goes

A Spoonful of Sugar - Party time

Creative Card Crew - Anything goes

Papertake Weekly - Anything goes

Crafty Creations - Anything but a square

Little Red Wagon - Use a die cut

Simon Says Stamp - Multifold cards

Another Humphrey Christmas sneak peek

2011-09-06T15:03:00.000+01:00

Hello Peeps

Today I'm sharing another sneak peek from the Ho! Ho! Ho! stamp collection.

The papers are from the CD and the image is coloured with Spectrum Noirs. The image has been decoupaged and I've made a little 'envelobox' type frame to go around it - I'm afraid the pic doesn't show it up very well. Hopefully the TV cameras will pick it up a little better when the collection is launched next week - set a reminder so you don't miss it. It is on Ideal World on Monday 13th September as a Pick of the Day launch at 9.00 pm.

I'll be back again tomorrow with another one. x

New Humphrey Xmas launch - Sneak peek 1

2011-09-05T14:34:00.002+01:00

Well I can't tell you how excited I am to be able to share my first sneak peek with you - I just love these stamps.

The new Humphrey Festive launch consists of a double CD and a total of 12 stamp images split into 2 x sets of 6 - they are called HO! HO! HO! and JINGLE BELLS, also included with each stamp are some sentiments and smaller co-ordinating images.

Now, as a special treat Crafters Companion are also giving you a chance to win the complete CD and stamp set. To see what you need to do just click on the 'I'm feeling Festive' banner on my left sidebar and follow the instructions - Good Luck!

For my card I used an image from the HO! HO! HO! stamp set and coloured with Spectrum Noirs, except for the fur for which I used fun flock. I used Distress Ink pad Pumice Stone for the background and for the snow I just dabbed white acrylic paint over the image - that was scary as I'd just spent ages colouring the image and was panicking in case I spoilt the card - I was so relieved when it turned out OK. The background papers are from the CD's and the embellishments are Cuttlebug dies.

Thank you for visiting- there'll be another sneak peek tomorrow, so hope to see you again.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Creative Card Crew - Anything Goes
Crafty Creations - Dies and Punches
Divas by Design - Christmas in August
Stampavie and more - Christmas in Summer
Charisma Cardz - Anything goes

New Humphrey Christmas launch coming soon!

2011-09-05T09:45:00.006+01:00

You may have heard the whisperings that there's a new Humphrey's Corner collection launching...well, all these whisperings are true and we're VERY excited to announce that Humphrey & co are back and feeling very festive!

On the 13th September 12 stamps and a twin CD set will be launched on Create & Craft as Pick of the Day and, as we've come to expect from this cute little guy, the range will have you coo'ing and aaah'ing! In typical Crafter's Companion style we'll be sharing with you some sneak peeks every day up until the big launch and we're also going to be giving you the chance to win the entire set - to find out more!! click on the banner below

I'll be back shortly with my first sneak peek from this fabulous set.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #150

2011-09-03T09:00:00.008+01:00

Today I'm sharing my DT card fom the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - this week the theme chosen by the lovely Bridget is

THE COLOURS OF AUTUMN

I've used a Clarity stamp and done some brayering on Clarity card and I made some punched flowers to decorate.

We're looking for some more members for our Design Team and if you can spare a few hours and produce one card a week and would like to be part of our team, then register your interest by visiting the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge blog and at the top right hand corner there is a place where you can link to your blog. This DT call is open until the end of September.

Good luck and come back on Monday as it is the start of some exciting sneak peeks of the new Crafters Companion Humphrey Christmas CD's and stamps and they are fab - you don't want to miss them.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Craft your Days away - Make your own flowers

Make it Monday - Anything goes
Stamps R us - Anything goes
Bearly Mine - Flowers
Creative Card Crew - Anything goes
My Time to Craft - In full Bloom
Crafty Creations - Die and Punches
The Paper Shelter - Anything Goes
Charisma Cardz - Anything Goes
Craft us Crazy - Autumn Colours
Moving along with the Times - Handmade flowers
Paperplay Challenge - Make your own flowers

Crafters Companion September Challenge

2011-09-01T21:56:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone

Sorry I haven't blogged much recently. I've been so busy finishing a Wedding Stationery order and making samples for the next Crafters Companion launch - it's very exciting so watch this space.

The card I'm sharing with you today is my DT card for the Crafters Companion monthly challenge which for September the theme is 'Christmas'. The Snowman CD was the first thing that came to mind and this pyramage image is my favourite - you can still buy your copy of the CD and the stamps from the Crafters Companion website.

You've got a whole month to join in with the challenge, so get crafting and take part for the chance to win a fabulous prize.

I'll be back again soon, I promise.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Week 148

2011-08-20T09:00:00.000+01:00

It's my turn to choose the theme this week for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge and I chose:-

CREATE A SCENE

I cheated a little actually as this card was made a while ago and I was going to enter it into a competition and then changed my mind as I didn't think it was good enough, but I never posted it on my blog. So, although the colours and the shading has faded quite a bit, I thought I would use it as my DT card for this theme.

I used several different stamps from different manufacturers and can't remember them but the tree was found on google and I thought it fitted the scene perfectly as the little poor boy is sitting on the tree trunk listening to the story that the tree is reading out loud. Really enjoyed making this card and making a little story - pop over to the challenge blog and checkout the inspiration by my DT buddies.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:-

One stitch at a time - Anything goes

Stamptacular - Fancy folds

Karens Doodles - Fancy folds

Make it Monday - Anything goes

Paper Playtime - Anything goes

Anything Goes - Happy Birthday/Celebration

Oldie but Goodie - The Great Outdoors

Divas by Design - Birthday

Craft us Crazy - Anything goes

Papercrafting Journey - Anything goes

Cardmakin' Mama's - Birthday

Launch today - Humphrey Die Cut Decoupage

2011-08-19T06:00:00.000+01:00

It's launch day today and this is my last sneak peek of the Humphrey Die Cut Decoupage - this little fella is from the Everyday Collection. The papers are from one of the Swalk CD's and the sentiment is from the Humphrey stamp set.

Hope you've enjoyed looking at my samples and to see the rest of them and purchase your Humphrey sets you can do so by tuning in for the "PICK OF THE WEEK" from midday today.

Show times for the week are:

Friday: 12pm, 3pm 7pm

Saturday: 8am, 1pm

Sunday: 9am, 4pm, 6pm

Monday: 9am, 11a &, 12pm (Paper Clinic), 2pm, 5pm

Tuesday: 8am, 12pm, 6pm

All shows are on Create & Craft: Sky 671, Freeview 36, Freesat 813

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Papercrafting Journey - Anything goes

Craft us Crazy - Anything goes

One stitch at a time - Anything goes

Make it Monday - Anything goes

Paper Playtime - Anything goes

Humphrey sneak peek 3

2011-08-18T06:00:00.008+01:00

Only one more sleep to go before the Pick of the Week launch on Create and Craft of the new Humphrey die cut decoupage kit which includes new christmas images.

Today is another sneak peek and it's another cutie - this time it's a baby card.

There's loads in this kit so don't forget to stock up on your 3D silicone glue as well.

Show times for the week are:

Friday: 12pm, 3pm 7pm

Saturday: 8am, 1pm

Sunday: 9am, 4pm, 6pm

Monday: 9am, 11a &, 12pm (Paper Clinic), 2pm, 5pm

Tuesday: 8am, 12pm, 6pm

All shows are on Create & Craft: Sky 671, Freeview 36, Freesat 813

Back again tomorrow with another sneak peek.

This card is also being entered into the following challenges:-

One stitch at a time - Anything goes

Make it Monday - Anything goes

Paper Playtime - Anything goes

Daring Cardmakers - So Kawaii (cute)

Crafty Anne's - Scallops and/or fancy borders

Humphrey decoupage sneak peek 2

2011-08-17T06:00:00.002+01:00

Here's another cutie for you. This is from the die cut decoupage kit with images from the original Humphrey CD - ideal for those who are not stampers or CD crafters but I do both and still NEED this kit.

There are loads of layers and they just pop off the page and look fab when shaped and curved and assembled with 3D silicone glue.

The kit is being launched this Friday at noon as the Pick of the Week on Create and Craft and I don't think these cuties will last the week. It is a mixture of images from the general Humphrey CD and some Christmas images from the new Humphrey Christmas CD which we haven't seen yet.

There'll be another sneak peek for you tomorrow :-)

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

One stitch at a time - Anything goes

Make it Monday - Anything goes

Paper Playtime - Anything goes

Craft us Crazy - Anything goes

Daring Cardmakers - So Kawaii (cute)

Crafty Anne's - Scallops and/or fancy borders

Time for another Humphrey Launch - Sneak Peek 1

2011-08-16T06:00:00.006+01:00

Hi everyone.

This is another reason why I've been so quiet over the past few days - I've been busy making my DT samples for the Crafters Companion Pick of the Week launch on Friday at midday on Create and Craft.

My card is made with one of the Christmas decoupage sheets - it's beautifully die cut and easy to push out. I shaped each layer on a foam mat with my large ball tool and applied Collall 3D silicone glue, I prefer this method to foam pads.

This kit is so cute, you will so NEED one.

I will be showing you more sneak peeks every day this week, so don't forget to come back again - it's worth a visit. x

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Craft us Crazy - Anything goes
Crafty Sentiments - Punches and die cuts
Crafty Anne's - Scallops and/or Fancy borders
One stitch at a time - Anything goes
Make it Monday - Anything goes
Paper Playtime - Anything goes

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Week 147

2011-08-13T09:00:00.002+01:00

Hi all.

I've not been able to post this week as I've been busy moving my craft room and it's taken longer than I expected. Luckily I did my DT card for this week's challenge well in advance. This week the challenge has been set by the lovely Tracie and she has chosen the theme of:-

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

For my card I used a couple of the fabulous Christmas Adorable stamps by Jane Nestorenko, which I coloured with Promarkers. I used papers from the paper pad - Mitten Weather by Cosmo Cricket.

Visit the Secret Crafter challenge blog to see some gorgeous creations by my Design Team buddies.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Make it Monday - Anything Goes

Craft us Crazy - Anything Goes

Crafty Sentiments - Punches & Die Cuts

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Week 146

2011-08-06T09:00:00.001+01:00

Hi all, sorry I haven't posted for a couple of days. I've been busy packing everything into boxes as I'm at the Papercraft Fayre at the Motorcycle Museum today. If you are thinking of popping along, come and say hello - lots of items are reduced and I'm also taking along lots of Crafters Companion goodies including the new Summer Adorable, Humphrey, Popcorn Pals and SWALK stamps.

This is my DT card for todays new Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge and the theme, chosen by the lovely Kelly is:-

ONLY BLACK AND WHITE

no other colours allowed.

For my card I've also followed this weeks Mojo Monday sketch.

Checkout the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge blog for more inspiration from my DT buddies.

I am also entering it into the following challenges:-

Craft your passion - Anything goes

Make it Monday - Anything goes

Simon Says - Christmas in August

Paperplay - Christmas in August

Humphrey's wedding

2011-08-03T10:05:00.002+01:00

Hi all.

Just a quick post today as I have loads to do.

Today I am showing you one of my recent DT cards for Crafters Companion, this is made with the new Humphrey 'Special Day' stamp and is coloured with Spectrum Noirs. The papers are from the CD.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Craft your passion - Anything goes

Forever Friends - Pastel colours

Make it Monday - Anything goes

Anything Goes - Pick of the bunch (flowers)

Digi Doodles - Anything goes

Moving along with the Times - Brand spanking new

Sew Many - Anything goes

Crafters Companion Monthly Challenge - Glitter & Glitz

2011-08-01T07:00:00.000+01:00

It's time for a new monthly challenge at Crafters Companion and the theme for August is

GLITTER & GLITZ

We would like to see lots of gems, pearls and glitter on your cards.

For my DT card I chose one of the cute SWALK stamps called 'Little Princess'. She was coloured with the Spectrum Noir pens and the patterned papers are from the Swalk CD1.

I've used Spellbinder, Marianne Design and Cheery Lynn dies and added sparkle with stickles and gems and a lovely diamante buckle.

Here's a close up as the pic above doesn't really show it well. (I wish I could take better photos)

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Make it Monday - Anything goes

Clear it out - Anything goes

Colour Create - Pink, Green & White

Digi Doodles - Anything Goes

Sew Many - Anything goes

SWALK card - Sunshine

2011-07-31T13:17:00.003+01:00

This lovely cute Swalk image is called 'Sunshine' and she comes from the original set, so I thought she needed to be mounted on to a 'sunny' coloured card.

She's been coloured in with Spectrum Noir pens - if you were watching Create and Craft yesterday, they were flying out of the door and they sold out of the sets of 24's - thanks to the lovely Leann and her super demo's. You can still get yours from the Crafters Companion website and they have some fab launch offers too. You can grab your new SWALK and Humphrey stamps whilst you're there :-)

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Craft your days away - Summertime

Paper Playtime - Summer

Pink Elephant - Fun in the Sun

Clear it out - Anything goes

Divas by Design - Summer

Stampavie & more - Summer

Digi Doodles - Anything goes

Paper Play - In the Garden

Crafty Ann's - Summer

Stamp Something - Summer

Another SWALK card!

2011-07-30T09:58:00.001+01:00

Second post today and it's only 10.00 am. I thought I would show you another card with the new SWALK stamp 'The Present' - she's so cute. Coloured with the fab Spectrum Noir pens and the papers are from the Swalk CD1. Items available now from Crafters Companion.

Don't forget to tune in to Create and Craft today - Leanne's demonstrating the new stamp sets and the Spectrum Noir pens.

Just a quickie post today as I've got lots of colouring to do and I can get carried away in front of my puter.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge DT Card - Monochromatic

2011-07-30T09:00:00.003+01:00

Good morning all, it's time for another Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge and the theme this week is

Monochromatic

(shades of one colour)

chosen by my lovely DT buddy, Kate

I chose to use lovely sunny yellow colours. I used a butterfly and dandelion stamp that I've had for a few months and coloured with Copics. The background was embossed on to distress core'dination card and sanded. I used Spellbinders, Marianne Design and Cheery Lynn dies.

Check out the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge blog for some fabulous insipiration by the rest of the DT.

I'm also entering my card into the following challenges:-

Creative Stamp Friends - Monochromatic

Make it Monday - Anything Goes

Clear it out - Anything Goes

Creative Craft Challenge - 3D it

Divas by Design - Summer

Craft us Crazy - Anything Goes

Digi Doodles Shop Challenge - Anything Goes

Paper Play - In the Garden

Sew Many - Anything Goes

Stamp Something - Summer
Anything Goes - Pick of the bunch (flowers)

It's launch day & Humphrey Sneak Peek

2011-07-29T10:48:00.004+01:00

Yippee, today is the launch of 6 new SWALK and 6 new Humphrey stamps to add to your collection.

Pop over to Crafters Companion to purchase yours at a fab launch price and don't forget to check out the Spectrum Noir pens while you're there.

For my card today I have used the Humphrey 'Special Day' stamp and I've coloured them with the Spectrum Noir pens.

The papers are printed from the Humphrey Allsorts CD from the Co-ordinating papers section - I've used one each of Design 12, Colour 1 and Design 5, Colour 1.

I've used the following colours of Spectrum Noir pens:-

175, 48, 88, 171, 132, 178, 137, 86, 65, 133, 109, 147, 51, 163, 35, 42, 43, WG 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 7 &

CG 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 7

The shaped template for the card is from the Fairyopolis CD1.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:-

2 Sisters - Anything Goes

Allsorts - Free & Easy

Totally Gorjuss - Punch or die

Diecut Dreams - Animal Antics (4 legged)

Make it Monday - Anything Goes

Clear it Out - Anything Goes

ABC - Z for Zoo

Simon Says - Shaped cards

Charisma Cardz - 4 legged friends

Craft us Crazy - Anything Goes
Digi Doodles - Anything Goes
Sew Many - Anything Goes

Creative Card Crew - Animal Antics
Moving along with the times - Brand spanking new (new stamp release)

Humphrey Sneak Peek - Hugs for You

2011-07-28T11:27:00.001+01:00

These gorgeous Humphrey and SWALK stamps are being launched tomorrow at CRAFTERS COMPANION and will be on CREATE & CRAFT on Saturday at 10 am, 2 pm, 6pm and Sunday 11.00 am toolshed and 3 pm. There are a total of 6 new Humphreys and 6 new SWALK sets.

The stamp plates will be £3.99 each but CRAFTERS COMPANION have a multibuy offer of 3 for £10.

This card is made using "Hugs for You" and have been coloured with the fabulous SPECTRUM NOIR PENS - I used the following colours:-

Trousers - 109, 51, 43, 42, 120

Jacket & Shoes 12, 14, 5, 11, 3, 1

Dress 133, 135, 142, 169, 132, 109, 96

Cool Grey 0.5 ,1, 3, 5, 7, 9

Present - 37, 45, 35

Shadow round the edge of image 185, 0

The papers are from Humphrey Occasions CD in the co-ordinating papers section (Design 1, C3 and Design 9, Colour 3)

Come back tomorrow for another Sneak Peek of the new stamps and don't forget it's also launch day :-)

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-

2 Sisters - Anything Goes
Allsorts - Free & Easy
Diecut Dreams - Animal Antics
Make it Monday - Anything Goes
Clear it Out - Anything Goes
ABC - Z for Zoo
Charisma Cardz - 4 legged friends
Craft us Crazy - Anything Goes
Digi Doodles - Anything Goes
Crafty Catz - No pink or Blue

New Swalk launch - Sneak peek 2

2011-07-27T09:48:00.008+01:00

Good morning - it's a lovely sunny one here in the West Midlands.

Hope you're enjoying the sneak peeks and joined in the blog hop. It's still not too late to join in - you can start by clicking here for instructions of what to do for that chance of winning a fabulous prize.

Have you ordered your new Spectrum Noir pens yet? The pens are already available on Crafters Companion website and will be launched this weekend on Create and Craft along with the new Swalk and Humphrey stamp sets.

Now, about my card. This is the lovely new Swalk stamp called The Present - isn't she cute?

The 3 papers I used are from Swalk CD 1 in the Co-ordinates 1 section:-

Design 9 - colour 6

Design 5 - colour 2

Design 12 - colour 6

Of course, the image has been coloured with the new Spectrum Noir pens. Here are the colours I used:-

Skin - 132, 133, 135

Yellows - 38, 37, 33, 24

Purples - 146, 73

Pinks - 137, 84, 88, 86

I hope you get chance to come back again tomorrow for another sneak peek - which will be one of the new Humphrey stamps.

Have a great day.

I'm entering this card into the following challenges:-

Craft us Crazy - Anything Goes
Lollipop Crafts - Anything Goes
Make it Monday - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp & Show - Anything Goes
Crafts & Me - Ribbon
The Paper Shelter - Anything Goes
2 Sisters - Anything Goes
Allsorts - Free & Easy

Blog Hop and Humphrey and Swalk release - sneak peek

2011-07-26T10:11:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone.

Welcome to the Crafter’s Companion Blog Hop to celebrate the release of two more SWALK and Humphrey stamp sets.

If you have landed here from Nicola's blog then you are hopping in the right direction. If not then you need to pop over to the Crafter’s Companion News blog to begin.

Our DT have had a great time creating with the new ranges from Crafter’s Companion and to celebrate the launch of these stunning new collections on Friday 29th July we have decided to give you a chance to see some Sneak Peeks and also have the chance of winning a fabulous Prize:

All six new SWALK stamps and all six new Humphrey stamps, plus a pack of Neenah card!

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning this great prize is visit each blog in order and then go back to the Crafter’s Companion News Views and Inspiration Blog to leave your link on Mr Linky. Along the way you will notice that each Blog will give you a letter - make a note of these as they will make a word which we will ask you for if your number is drawn by Random.Org on the morning of Friday 29th.

My letter is: F

From here, you need to hop to Marianne’s blog.

PLEASE DO NOT TELL US WHAT THE WORD IS ON THE CRAFTER’S COMPANION NEWS VIEWS AND INSPIRATION BLOG, WE WILL E-MAIL YOU FOR THE ANSWER IF YOUR MR LINKY NUMBER IS DRAWN.

For my card I have used one of the new SWALK stamps which I have coloured with the fabulous new Spectrum Noir pens. You really NEED these pens, they are in their own colour blending sets and can be refilled and they are so juicy.

Don't forget to visit each day this week for more sneak peeks and good luck with the blog hop!

Spectrum Noir pens are available NOW!

2011-07-24T20:39:00.000+01:00

They're finally here. The brand new alcohol pens by Crafters Companion are now available. As a DT member I've been lucky enough to have been able to play with them for a few days now. They are FAB and if you visit over the next few days there will be sneak peeks and other things going on to introduce them to you.

There is already loads of information on the Crafters Companion News and Inspirational Blog, including where to find tutorials and downloading a colour chart. You can buy them now from the Crafters Companion website.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge no. 144

2011-07-23T09:00:00.001+01:00

Time for another Secret Crafter Challenge - this week the theme chosen by my lovely buddy Jane is

NUMBERS

(she would like to see a number anywhere on your card)

This is my DT card - a very subtle number 25 in the top corner.

Here's a list of my supplies used:-

Image - The Snowman by Crafters Companioin

Cosmo Cricket mini deck - Mitten Weather

Sentiment - Lili of the Valley stamps 'Calenders'

Snowflakes - Spellbinder dies

Coloured with - Promarkers

I am entering this card into the following challenges:-

Make it Monday - Anything Goes

Clear it out - Anything Goes

Stamp Something - Something Embellished

Sir Stampalot - Anything Goes

Checkout the Secret Crafter Challenge Blog for loads more inspiration by my talented DT buddies.

Mojo Monday Challenge 200

2011-07-22T14:42:00.004+01:00

It's a special week at Mojo Monday - it's their 200th sketch challenge. I've had my new Magnolia stamps for a few weeks and this is the first time I've had chance to use them.

The papers are from Nitwits and are from the collection 'Super Stuey' and the images are coloured with my brand new 'Spectrum Noir' alcohol pens. These pens are being released today by Crafters Companion and are fab to use as they come in blending sets for each colour range - this takes all the hard work out of trying to find colours that will blend together - for my card I used the blue, yellow, skin tone and brown sets.

The price is fantastic too - £6.99 for a set of 6 pens or they have a special offer of £25 if you buy 4 sets.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:-

Craft your Passion - Text it
Make it Monday - Anything Goes
Clear it Out - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - Getting Cute
Charisma Cardz - Sunshine colours
My Time to Craft - Citrus Colours

Another Humphrey card!

2011-07-20T21:24:00.004+01:00

Hello again!

I'm doing really well with my cardmaking this week and have another one to share with you.

For this, I've used one of the Humphrey's Corner CD and stamp sets by Crafters Companion. The cute little Humphrey image is coloured with Copic markers. These CD's are packed with lovely backing papers, alphabets, borders, decoupage, 3D toppers and much more

I am entering this card into the following challenges:-

Craft your Passion - Text it
Crafts & Me - Add a flower
Stamptacular Sunday - Animal Antics

Diecut Dreams- Animal Antics
Make it Monday - Anything Goes
The Pink Elephant - Photo Inspiration
Clear it Out - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - Getting cute

The card I didn't want to make

2011-07-18T14:50:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post today.

This is a sympathy card I made for a dear friend of mine who lost her husband on Saturday - he was only 57 years old - R.I.P David.

I wanted to keep it simple and this sheet of backing paper from the 'La Creme' stack pad by DCWV fitted the bill. I then used a second sheet of backing paper and decoupaged the flowers, although it doesn't show on the photo.

There's not alot more I can really say - it's such a sad occasion. Angela, you ARE in my thoughts and here for you any time you need me.

Exciting new product launch!

2011-07-17T11:45:00.003+01:00

You are absoloutely going to love this.

On Friday 22 July, Crafters Companion are launching their very own alcohol marker pen system called Spectrum Noir.

Now what makes them different from other systems is that they will be coming in their very own blending sets - for instance, you know how you get a set of greys in Promarkers and you know that they will all blend together and the colours graduate from light to dark? Well the Spectrum Noir come in blending sets for other colours too - you get a blending set of pinks, a set of blues etc. which will make it much easier for you to choose your colours and know that they will work together. They are refillable and you can replace the nibs too................and the price is unbelievable!

Take a look at the video below for more information.

Myself and the rest of the Crafters Companion Design Team will be sharing more information with you later this week - make sure you don't miss anything.

Also keep checking out the Crafters Companion News and Inspiration blog for details.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge no. 143

2011-07-16T09:00:00.003+01:00

Its challenge time again and this week the theme has been set by the lovely Helen and she has chosen

HOLIDAYS

Well the Summer Adorables stamp set and CD rom by Jayne Nestorenko fits the theme perfectly and I just love the little Donkey and couldn't resist colouring him in again. He has been stamped on to watercolour card and coloured with Distress Inks, and so too has the corner and the little sailing boat. The scene and papers are from the CD rom. The CD rom and Summer Adorables stamp sets are available now from Crafters Companion.

Checkout the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge blog for loads of inspiration by my fellow DT buddies.

I'm also entering my card into the following challenges:-

Craft your passion - Just for you (card for anyone)

Crazy Challenge - Summertime

Cupcake Craft - 36 Summer

Karens Doodles - Summer Fun

Pollycrafts - The Great Outdoors

Bearly Mine - Anything Goes

Deep Ocean - Cards

Crafts and Me - Summertime
Prairie Fairy - On holidays
Simon Says - Anything Goes
Paper Playtime - Summer
Creative Stamp Friends - Summer
Dream Valley - Summer
One stitch at a time - Anything goes
Allsorts - Free and easy

Another Popcorn Pals card

2011-07-15T13:28:00.007+01:00

Hi everyone

It's time to show you another Popcorn Pals card. This is one I made this morning. I used CD2 for all the elements, you need 1 x sheet of each of the following:-

3D Topper - Design 4 (Printed in A5 size)

Design set - Design 8, Colour 6 (printed in A5 size)

Co-ordinates 1 - Design 4, Colour 6 (A4)

Co-ordinates 2 - Design 3, Colour 6 (A4)

The sentiment, flowers and embellishments are all from my stash.

The Popcorn Pals CD and stamp sets are available from Crafters Companion, exclusively to members.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Simon Says - Anything goes
Creative Craft Challenge - Pretty Blossoms
Pollycraft Challenge - The Great Outdoors
Cardmakin' Mamas - Summertime
The Crazy Challenge - Summertime
Stamps R us - Through the garden gate
Paper Playtime - Summer
Creative Stamp Friends - Summer
Dream Valley - Summer
One stitch at a time - Anything goes
Totally Gorjuss - Summertime
Deep Ocean - Cards
Allsorts - Free and Easy

Keep popping by as I have some exciting news sometime next week.

Just for fun!

2011-07-14T17:51:00.004+01:00

I'm a little in front with all my DT work so I thought I would make a card just for me.

The challenge over at Papertake Weekly is HOT HOT HOT - they want to see hot colours so I chose papers from the DCWV Cafe Mediterranean matstack. It's full of lovely citrus colours so I went along with the orange theme. The image was stamped onto watercolour card and coloured with Distress Inks.

For the layout I followed the sketch 110-32 at Sweet Sketch Wednesday.

Hope you like it my lovelies, and whilst I'm on a roll with my cardmaking I may be back again tomorrow with another one.

I would also like to enter this card into the following challenges:-

Simon Says - Anything goes
Clear it out Challenge - Wing it out
Creative Craft Challenge - Pretty Blossoms
Pollycraft Challenge - The Great Outdoors
C.R.A.F.T Challenge - Butterflies
Cardmakin' Mamas - Summertime
Paperplay - Things with wings
The Crazy Challenge - Summertime
Stamps R us - Through the garden gate
Paper Playtime - Summer
Creative Stamp Friends - Summer
Dream Valley - Summer
One stitch at a time - Anything goes
One stop craft challenge - Summertime
2 Sisters - Summertime Fun
Totally Gorjuss - Summertime
Stampin for the Weekend - Wings & Things
Deep Ocean - Cards
Allsorts - Free and Easy

Humphrey twin CD set - Card Companions 2

2011-07-12T22:35:00.001+01:00

Here's my second Card Companion. It is Design 6 from the Humphrey Occasions CD.

This is what the printed sheet looks like:

I cut out the background, toppers and stars and matted and layered them onto silver mirri and then assembled. I also added the one layer of decoupage. For the inside I printed out a matching insert and verse and used the tiny topper to embellish the inside.

Easy Peasy.

Visit the Crafters Companion website to order your Humphrey CD and stamps.

Back again tomorrow with something else.

Humphrey CD - Card Companions 1

2011-07-11T22:02:00.000+01:00

I've had a little spare time to have a good look around the Humphrey CD's and there is a section called 'Card Companions' - these are ideal if you have lost your mojo or require a quick card. They are 6x6 card backgrounds which have been layered digitally to make it look as though there is dimension and matting and layering, although it is flat. The print out sheets also include toppers and some embellishments to finish off your card.

I've put one together to show you - the background is flat and the topper and sentiment is raised on foam pads.

I printed the sheet out on to 200gsm smooth white coated card with the photo setting of my printer as this gives a more vibrant finish.

I will be back again tomorrow to share another card companion with you.

The CD and stamp sets are available from Crafters Companion along with many other exciting products.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge no. 142

2011-07-09T09:00:00.004+01:00

Hi all.

Its been a real busy week for me with the launch of the Crafters Companion Popcorn Pals twin CD and stamp set and the sneak peeks of my DT cards. I almost didn't get my DT card done for the Secret Crafter challenge which this week is the theme of

GET WELL

which has been chosen by my lovely DT buddy Francesca.

I made this card but I really don't like it. There is way too much red and it's too busy but I ran out of time or I would have made another one. I'm afraid I lost my mojo - hopefully it will return again tomorrow.

Please visit the Challenge blog - you will find loads of inspiration over there, my DT have done a much better job than I have.

It's launch day!

2011-07-08T10:22:00.001+01:00

Yippee! Launch day is here!

This is my final peek of the fantastic Popcorn Pals CD and stamp set. You can now pop over to the Crafters Companion website and buy yours at a special launch price and is only available to Crafters Companion members - if you're not already a member you can register for free.

For my card I used CD1 and printed out 1 sheet of (co-ordinates 2, design 4, colour 3) & 1 sheet of (co-ordinates 2, design 5, colour 3).and a sheet of Design 1 from the 3D Topper section. The sentiment and balloons are from the 'Special Day' stamp plate.

Thank you for stopping by and leaving your lovely comments. There is more to come soon from Crafters Companion so please pop back again so you don't miss anything.

Popcorn Pals sneak peek no. 4

2011-07-07T09:38:00.000+01:00

Only 1 more sleep to go before the launch of the Popcorn Pals double CD and stamp sets. If you register as a member on the Crafters Companion website you can get yours from tomorrow. The CD-ROM will normally retail for £29.99 and the stamps for £5.99 each...but in typical Crafter's Companion style, they'll be offering you a fantastic launch special.

For today's card I printed a background sheet from CD2 (co-ordinates 1, design 7, colour 4) and a 3D topper (design 8). The sentiment is from one of the stamp sets. The frame is a Spellbinder die and I used Tim Holtz distress core'dinations card and stencilled through the frame with distress ink to make the embossing stand out.

Popcorn Pals - Sneak peek no. 3

2011-07-06T10:29:00.004+01:00

Here's my 3rd sneak peek of the brand new Popcorn Pals double CD and stamp sets from Crafters Companion.

Only 2 more days until the launch on Friday 8th July when the set will be available on the Crafters Companion website to members only. This is a fabulous set and is full of gorgeous backing papers and decoupage and lots more. You will LOVE it! There's more information and sneak peeks on the News and Inspiration blog.

Here's how I made my card:-

For the background I printed an A4 sheet from CD2 (co-ordinates 2, Design 6, Colour 4). I then printed in A5 size, a sheet of the following papers from CD1 (dotty background - co-ordinates 2, design 1, colour 4) and (circle background - co-ordinates 2, design 10, colour 4).

I stamped my images on to watercolour card and coloured with distress inks. I found a lovely red shimmery card in my stash for the matting and layering and I had white card candy which I also coloured with my distress inks to match the image. The sentiment is from the stamp plate and so is the little birdie in the centre, I punched them out with circle and scallop punches.

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:-

Sketch and Stash - sketch no. 65
Stamptacular Sunday - Seeing double
Forever Friends - Birthday
Karens Doodles - Double trouble
Pink Elephant - Red, white & blue

Popcorn Pals - Sneak peek no. 2

2011-07-05T10:14:00.000+01:00

It's day 2 of POPCORN PALS sneak peeks.

I used images from the stamp plates and coloured with Promarkers. I printed out a sheet of the following backing papers, all from CD2:- (co-ordinates 2, design 6, colour 1), (co-ordinates 2, design 9, colour 1) and (co-ordinates 1, design 8, colour 1). I used co-ordinating card from my stash for matting and layering and for the border. I wanted a curved sentiment to follow the border so used one from my stash.

You really NEED these CD's and stamps and you can buy them from Crafters Companion from Friday 8th July - they are a special launch available initially only to Crafters Companion members - so pop over and register as a member (it's free to register) to be eligible to buy yours.

Visit the News and Inspirational blog every day for more updates and news about new and upcoming products.

New Popcorn Pals CD & Stamp Launch - Sneak peek 1

2011-07-04T14:45:00.003+01:00

Hello crafty friends.

Today I have a new sneak peek for you and some news! Crafters Companion are launching a new twin CD and 4 new stamp sets called POPCORN PALS. This is special because it is not going to be launched on TV yet - Sara wanted to reward all Crafters Companion members for their loyalty and wanted to do something special for them, so, this set is only available to members and it will be on the Crafters Companion website from Friday 8th July.

The CD is packed full of fabulous backing papers and decoupage, toppers, sentiments, teabags, borders, shadow cards, peek-a-boo cards, frames and much more. The CD twinset will be available at special reduced launch price and the stamp sets will be £5.99 each or 4 for £20.

It doesn't cost you anything to become a member of Crafters Companion, you just need to register your details and then you can start purchasing and collecting loyalty points and access the forum (you need to register for this separately). So don't delay, register now and be ready to purchase your goodies.

For my card I have printed out the balloon background paper from CD2 (Co-ordinates 1, design 9, colour 5), the spotty paper is from CD1 (Co-ordinates 2, design 1, colour 5). I stamped and coloured Raggy Anne and the balloons with my Promarkers in co-ordinating colours. I'd just bought some plain white seam binding and wanted to experiment so I got out my silicone mat and stamped some Mustard Seed distress ink on to it and then spritzed with water, I mixed in some iridescent medium and then mopped up the colour with my seam binding. It matched the colours of the card perfectly and you can just pick up the iridescent sparkle on the photo. After it had dried I decorated the card with it and tied a bow. The little flower was made with a punch.

I really enjoyed making this card and it looks much more vibrant and nicer in real life.

I'll be back again tomorrow with another sneak peek, in the meantime keep an eye on the News and Inspirational blog for more updates.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Sketch Saturday - Sketch no. 162
Allsorts - Free & Easy
Sir Stampalot - Anything goes

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge DT card

2011-07-02T09:00:00.005+01:00

The theme this week has been chosen by the lovely Bridget - she has chosen

HERE COMES SUMMER

she would like to see something that reminds you of Summer.

For my DT card I used stamps from the Summer Adorables collection by Jayne Nestorenko and coloured with Aqua Promarkers. The shaped card and layers were templates from the Humphrey CD set and I printed a backing sheet and a scene from the Adorables CD and used one of the layer templates to cut out the scene. I then printed a second scene and cut out and decoupaged the tree.

I just love these stamps and the CD, the stamp plates are so versatile and the scenes and papers on the CD are stunning. They are available from Crafters Companion and I truly recommend that you get some, you won't be disappointed.

Check out the Secret Crafter Challenge blog and visit my DT buddies blogs, they work so hard and would love to receive a comment, they produce some lovely, inspiring work.

I will be posting lots of sneak peeks from Monday, so don't forget to come back.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Crafty Catz Challenge - Colours of Summer
Make it Monday - Anything Goes
Crafts and Me - Anything Goes
The Paper Shelter - Anything Goes
Digi Doodles Shop Challenge - Anything Goes
Just for Fun - Anything Goes
Papercrafting Journey - Anything Goes

Crafters Companion July Challenge

2011-07-01T07:00:00.006+01:00

Pinch punch, it's the first of the month and time for another Crafters Companion Challenge. The theme this month is

ONE FOR THE BOYS

I chose this lovely decoupage sheet and the papers from the Humphrey Allsorts CD and mounted on to a fancy fold card. I made the buttons with a circle punch and some glossy accents, the star was cut on my eCraft machine and the sentiment was printed on to Safmat film on my PC.

Visit the Crafters Companion Challenge Blog for more inspiration from my DT buddies and you have a whole month to enter the challenge for a chance to win a £30 voucher to spend in the Crafters Companion shop.

I've also entered this card into the following challenges:-

Paper Shelter - Anything Goes

Make it Monday - Anything Goes
Crafts and Me - Birthday
Digi Doodles - Anything Goes
Just for Fun - Anything Goes
Cards 4 men - Stars
Papercrafting Journey - Anything Goes
Forever Friends - Animal & Birthday

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge no. 140

2011-06-25T09:00:00.003+01:00

It's the lovely Beate's turn to choose the theme this week and she would like to see

EMBOSSING

on your projects. It can be dry or heat embossing.

For my DT card this week I followed the sketch from the Mojo Monday challenge.

Recipe:-

Tim Holtz Distress Co'oredinations card

Crafts Too Daisy & Swirl embossing folder

Paper lace from stash

Joycrafts Butterfly Border die

Penny Black stamp - Jump for Joy

Coloured with Aqua Markers by Letraset

Spellbinder deckled oval and classic oval die

Sentiment generated on PC

My lovely DT buddies have done some wonderful work this week - visit the Challenge blog and be inspired.

Summer Adorables Sneak peek no. 4

2011-06-23T22:09:00.000+01:00

Here's my final sneak peek. Yet another scene which has been decoupaged but unfortunately the pic doesn't show it very well. The little girl has been paper pieced and is from the stamp set.

Only one more sleep now - don't forget to tune in to Create and Craft to see the launch. The show is on at 11am, 2pm & 6pm and on Saturday at 10 am, 12 noon & 3 pm.

There's another sneak peak over on the News and Inspiration Blog.

Summer Adorables Sneak peek no. 3

2011-06-22T20:51:00.000+01:00

It's Summer Adorables sneak peek time again! Card no. 3 is another scene from the CD and I've used the stamp set 'Special Friend'. Have I said how much I absolutely love these stamps? You can do so much with them and are so easy to colour. I was given 3 of the 12 sets to make samples with and I will definitely be buying the other 9 sets as I just 'adore' them all.

Visit the News and Inspiration blog for more information and sneak peeks.

Summer Adorables Sneak peek no. 2

2011-06-21T23:36:00.000+01:00

Here's another sneak peek from the DT samples I made for the launch of the Summer Adorables CD and stamp sets which will be on Ideal World at 11.00 am on Friday 24th June.

I used another one of the background scenes, framed it with one of the backing papers from the CD using a Spellbinders scalloped square and then printed out another scene and cut out and decoupaged parts of it to bring the scene out of the frame. The boy potting his flowers is stamped and coloured with Promarkers, and so is the little frog and the butterfly.

Check out the News and Inspirational blog for more information.

Summer Adorables - sneak peek no. 1

2011-06-20T21:37:00.003+01:00

My goodness, it hasn't half been busy this past few weeks with new releases and sample making.

This is my first sneak peek of the new Summer Adorable's by Jane Nestorenko. The CD and 6 x stamp plates will be launched on Friday 25th June - further details will be available very soon on the Crafters Companion News and Inspirational Blog.

This card has been made using one of the scenes and backing papers from the CD and the fabulous donkey and accessories and stamped corners were all from Beach stamp plate.

I just love this CD and stamps and can see myself using it loads.

I'll be showing you another card tomorrow so don't forget to pop back.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - Fun in the Sun

Pollycraft Challenge - Travel/Holidays
Spoonful of Sugar - Splish Splash

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #139

2011-06-18T09:00:00.000+01:00

Hi Peeps

It's Andie's turn to choose the theme for this week's Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge and she has chosen

SOMETHING FROM AROUND THE HOUSE

(IMAGES CONTAINING HOUSEHOLD ITEMS)

For my card I have used a House Mouse decoupage sheet. I enjoy cutting out and it's a good job as there were lot's of layers on this decoupage and quite intricate too. I used backing papers from the Basic Grey Cappella paper pad and matted and layered and finished off with a coloured card to match the lilac colour in the decoupage. For the layout I followed the sketch on last weeks Sketch Saturday challenge.

Pop over to the challenge blog for more inspiration from my DT buddies.

The Snowman sneak peek no. 4

2011-06-13T20:55:00.000+01:00

I'm a little late showing you today's card. Sorry, feeling a bit poorly so haven't been on the computer till now.

I used the left over papers from card no. 1 to make this card, waste not want not. I stamped the image and coloured with Copic Ciaos, I cut out with the octagon die from Spellbinders and it fits inside the 'In Spades' pendant die perfectly. I punched out the icicle border and the snowflake border with Martha Stewart punches. I used a Marianne Design Creatables christmas tree die and cut the tree in half and decorated the sides of the card with each half. The sentiment is from the stamp set and I added a little stickles to finish off.

Only one more sleep to go for the launce tomorrow night at 9.00 pm on Ideal World. Visit the Crafters Companion News and Inspiration blog for your next clue for a chance to win a CD and stamp set.

Good luck.

The Snowman sneak peek 3

2011-06-12T13:33:00.001+01:00

For my card I used the Grand Calibur with the large scalloped square dies and layered with backing papers from the CD and some mirro card. The Snowman is from the stamp plate, I've stamped and glittered him and added a little colour with Promarkers. The snowballs I made with My Paper World paper pens and glitter. I used the Holly Wreath die from Marianne Designs and stencilled the holly leaves with Pine Needles distress ink and I used the Dark Carmine Red gloss gel pen for the berries. I finished off with the holly leaf and berries die from Marianne Designs and a sentiment from the Snowman stamp set.

Don't forget to watch the Pick of the Week on Ideal World at 9.00 pm on Tuesday and to pop over to the Crafters Companion News and Inspiration blog for your next clue.

Back again tomorrow with another sneak peek.

Crafters Companion Sneak Peek Day 1

2011-06-10T13:47:00.001+01:00

Today is a sneak peek of an exciting launch of the new christmas CD by Crafters Companion - it uses the imagery from the film The Snowman and will be launched on Ideal World at 9.00 pm on Tuesday, 14th June. Don't miss it!

The CD has all the usual Crafters Companion elements including backing papers, tags, tea bags, toppers, verse writer, alphabets, decoupage etc. but also with a few 'extras' including frames, card companions, scenes & sentiments. The papers are main blues, greens, purples and pinks but don't forget you also have the option to use the colouriser so you change the colours of the papers to create your own.

For my card, I printed out one of the background papers and two different co-ordinating papers and a 3D topper. I created the frame for the topper by cutting 4 strips of paper and rolling around a pencil, I stuck one to each side of the topper using Collall gel glue (available from Crafters Companion). I found this lovely vibrant pink mirri card in my stash and it was perfect to compliment the papers. The sentiment is from The Snowman stamp set.

If you would like the chance to win a CD and stamp set pop over to the Crafters Companion News and Inspiration Blog for details.

Visit me again tomorrow for another sneak peek.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Week 137

2011-06-04T09:00:00.004+01:00

It's a photo inspirational challenge this week, set by my buddy Tracie. You have to make a card using the photo below as inspiration for your project.

Tilda was stamped on to watercolour card and coloured with distress inks. I found the backing paper from my stash, the front cover was missing but I think it was from a Wedding paper pad. I didn't really need to do very much to complete the card as I decided to use the stems as they were and punched out loads of flowers from the Basic Grey paper pad 'Eva'.

I matted and layered Tilda using the Spellbinders 'Labels 10' die and punched a border with the Martha Stewart Doily punch and cut slits into it and played around until it went around the outside layer.

There's loads more inspiration from my teamies over at the Saturday Challenge blog - check it out why not have a go yourself?

Crafters Companion Challenge 13 and some news!

2011-06-01T06:00:00.001+01:00

I am very proud and excited to announce that I am now a member of the Crafters Companion Design Team and this is my very first project.

There is a new challenge on the first of every month and the theme for June is

HERE COMES SUMMER

I've printed this cute little Pyramage topper and backing papers.from the newly launched Humphrey Double CD. This CD is packed full of fabulous designs of all the Humphrey family and includes Alphabets, Borders,Toppers, Decoupage, Stamping Tags, Templates, Card Companions & much more.

I am so looking forward to working with Crafters Companion products, getting to know my DT buddies and sharing my projects with you all.

Visit the Crafters Companion Challenge Blog for more information and inspiration from the rest of the team

Don't forget to call back again

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Week 136

2011-05-28T09:00:00.002+01:00

The lovely Kelly has chosen the theme this week, of

CLEAN AND SIMPLE

For my card I have used the 'Holly Border' Rollagraph wheel with the Chocolate coloured ink cartridge. I coloured the image with Promarkers and used Glossy Accents on the berries to make them shine. I used Spellbinder dies and a Personal Impressions wood mounted sentiment stamp and couldn't resist adding a little Stardust Stickles to that little bit of Christmas sparkle.

Visit the challenge blog for more examples from my team buddies.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #134

2011-05-21T16:48:00.006+01:00

This my DT project for this weeks Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge theme which, this week has been chosen by the lovely Kate - her theme is

ANNIVERSARIES

The inspiration for my little book came from Sassy Scrapper (thank you for sharing it with us) and you can find full instructions here, on her blog.

I purchased this lovely image by Mo Manning and it's called 'Seniors in Love'. I wanted a more vintage look so experimented and printed it out on 300gsm watercolour paper and coloured with Promarkers. The paper does seem to suck up the colour like a sponge but as long as you're very careful and not too heavy handed, it works fine.

The papers I used are Cappella by Basic Grey, I made the box 1.5 inches deep to fit the book and the flowers on the front are cut on my eCraft cutter.

Pop over to the challenge blog to be inspired by the rest of my DT buddies.

Have a fab weekend.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #134

2011-05-14T09:12:00.007+01:00

Good morning crafters. It's time again for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge and this week it is a sketch designed by my lovely buddy Jane. You may rotate it if you wish but should still be able to recognise the original sketch.

For my card I purchased a set of cute Sugar Nellie stamps from Funkykits - she is called Poppy and comes from a set of 4 (the others are also as cute and are called Chrissy, Iris and Belle).

I'm into my watercolouring at the moment but as my images was printed out I had to use my Promarkers as watercolours make the ink run. Well, I did have a problem with the blending, it just wouldn't go right for me and this is the final result after several other attempts ended up in the bin. I don't know if you have the same problem but I always seem to have trouble blending the reds, pinks and purples.

The papers are a digital set from Sherry K called Concord Crush, I made the flowers with various punches and used oval Spellbinder dies and a Nellie Snellen border die with a few Woodware nailheads to finish.

I'm really in the groove and am enjoying my crafting at the moment and look forward to showing you more of my creations soon.

For more inspiration from my DT buddies you can see their work over at the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge blog and why not have a go yourself for a chance to win a prize.

Stamp something - Anything goes
Crafty Creations - Anything goes
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - Fancy a Punch
Prairy Fairy Friday - For the Girls
Stamping Scrapping Challenge Central - Birthday Challenge
The Crazy Challenge #66 - Anything Goes
Divas by Design - Anything Goes
Craft your Passion - Check it out
Sew Many Challenge - Anything goes
Delightful Challenge - Flowers
My Mums Craft Shop - Dies
Crafty Ann's - Birthday

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #133

2011-05-07T09:00:00.004+01:00

This week's challenge is set by the lovely HELEN.

She has chosen a theme of:-

DUST OFF YOUR STASH

We want to see you use something you've neglected

I've had the Rollagraph wheels in my workroom for well over 12 months and thought it was about time I had a play. For this card I used the 'Flower Patch' jumbo wheel with the Chocolate ink cartridge but before I stamped it I used distress inks in Forest Green and Broken China, for the background. I used Promarkers to colour the flowers and the butterfly and distress inks to colour the 'Garden Tots' image by Woodware. The sentiment is from the 'Garden Greetings' set, also by Woodware.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

ABC - Two images
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Pollycraft - Anything Goes

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #132

2011-04-30T09:00:00.001+01:00

Hope you all had a fabulous day yesterday and enjoyed the wedding - didn't Kate look stunning and that dress was so beautiful and just perfect for her. I hope she and William aren't hounded by the press like poor Diana was and they are left to enjoy their life together.

On with the Challenge

The theme this week, chosen by the lovely Francesca is

FOR A BABY

I chose to do a clean and simple card again this week - to be honest though, I'm not that keen on it and would have done another one but I ran out of time.

I used the cutest digi image from Funkykits called Bambino and it really didn't need much colouring. I used Promarkers on Neenah card and scored the lines on the Martha Stewart board.

The DT have done a super job again this week and you can see their work over on the Challenge blog.

Have a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #131

2011-04-23T09:00:00.006+01:00

First of all, I would like to wish you all a very HAPPY EASTER - make the most of this lovely weather we're having and don't eat too much chocolate.

This week's challenge has been set by the lovely BRIDGET. She has chosen a colour theme of:-

PINK, CREAM & BROWN

We want to see these as your predominant colours in your projects.

As you can see from my card, I'm still lovin' my Magnolia stamps and watercolouring.

Here is a list of the items I used:-

Papers - Basic Kraft & Cappella by Basic Grey
Colouring - Distress Inks & Watercolour paper
Image - Tulip Wheelbarrow & Tilda with Tulips by Magnolia
Border - Tulips Borderabilities by Spellbinders

If you would like to join us in this weeks challenge for the chance to win a prize pop over to the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge blog to enter. My lovely DT buddies have worked hard this week and produced some lovely projects to inspire you.

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

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - Magnolia-licious
Delicious Doodles - Anything Goes
Crafts and Me - Pink and Sweet
Inspire me Friday - Anything Goes
Cupcake Craft - Lots of Layers
Craft Challenge - Flowers
Simon Says Stamp - Emboss it

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #130

2011-04-16T09:00:00.009+01:00

It's the turn of the lovely Beate to choose the theme for this week and she would like to see

STITCHING

on your project this week. It can be real or faux - and as I don't have a sewing machine and am useless with a needle I have used a mini stitching stamp that was in with this sentiment set.

I have used my first ever Tilda on a card (thank you Janet for stamping her out for me) and I'm now hooked on them - why on earth I haven't used them before I don't know. Talk about being behind with the times, but I now have alot of catching up to do and have just ordered my own. I will also be stocking them in my shop in the future.

I usually colour with Promarkers or Copics but I have watercoloured this beauty with Distress Inks. The rest of the card came together quite easily and quickly, which is a change for me, it normally takes ages.

Hope you likey! Please feel free to leave a comment. Oh, and please pop along to the challenge blog for more inspiration from my lovely DT.

I've now re-stocked on Promarkers and also have the new Copic Ciao colours in stock over at the Secret Crafter Shop.

I am also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - Girls & Swirls
Papertake Weekly - Truly Dimensional
ABC Challenge - Sugar & Spice
Just Magnolia - Happy Birthday
Delicious Doodles - All Stitched Up
Inspire me Friday - Anything Goes
Crafts & Me - Ribbon
Freshly Brewed - Cute & Sweet

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #129

2011-04-10T05:47:00.006+01:00

I don't have a card to show you for this week's challenge - I've been busy preparing for my first Craft Fair which took place yesterday at the National Motorcycle Museum. It was a lovely sunny day and attracted lots of people and it was lovely to meet so many of my customers, thank you for popping along to say 'hello'.

I didn't realise how tiring it was, or perhaps it's just me being so unfit. We were up at the crack of dawn and arrived at 6.00 am to start setting up and from then it it was none stop. I was totally shattered and my feet were killing me.

I would like to say a special 'thank you' to Janet, Judith and Angela for all their help - it wouldn't have been possible without them and also to Jane for calling in to support me. Jane took some photos and I think they will be appearing on her blog soon.

The Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge this week is set by the lovely Andie and her chosen theme is

OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS

My DT have come up with some lovely inspirational projects so pop over to the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge blog and check them out.

Thank you for all the wonderful comments that you left for me last week - it really gave me the boost I needed.

It's Butterflies

2011-04-02T00:01:00.004+01:00

It's my turn to choose the theme this week for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge and I chose

BUTTERFLIES

I've based my card on the clean and simple style. I made this lovely flower out of watercolour paper by spraying it with water and then I used distress inks and water to give it a colour wash. I put this through my cuttlebug with the 'daisy heads' spellbinders die. I cut into the layers and shaped the petals and then left to dry. The centre of the flower was punched out and finished off with the dark carmine red gloss gel pen.

For the flower stalk I used the Edelweiss by Clarity stamps. I then used my Martha Stewart score board to emboss the lines and stamped and cut out the butterfly from the remainder of the paper left over from the flower. The sentiment was from the 'Happy Birthday' sentiment set by Personal Impressions. Simples!

Pop over to the challenge blog to see what wonderful creations my DT buddies have made.

I'm really excited about the new eCraft cutting machine which is due in a couple of weeks. Take a look at my shop website and click on the link to watch the video and see what it's all about. I've seen the machine demonstrated and it's wicked and DOESN'T have a sticky mat, how cool is that?

I will have a stand at the Excalibur Fair at the Motorcycle Museum on Saturday 9th April and my Manga stamps will be available to buy and will be demonstrated. If you are attending pop along and say 'hello', it would be lovely to see you.

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:-

Pixie Dust Studio - Fluttering wings
Ladybug Crafts - Handmade flowers
Card Makin Mamas - Embellish it
Less is More - A touch of Red

Bye for now

SC Saturday challenge - week 126

2011-03-19T00:01:00.000Z

The challenge chosen by Andie this week is

ANYTHING BUT A CARD

I thought I would have a go at Decopatch - for those of you that are not sure what decopatch is - it's really easy to do. All you need is some patterned tissue paper and some special glue and a brush and something to cover. I chose this small set of MDF drawers which I am going to use as a jewellery box.

All you do is rip the tissue paper into small pieces, paint some glue on to your object making sure that the area is bigger than your piece of paper, use your brush to place a piece of paper on the object, paint a thing layer of the glue varnish over the paper and keep repeating this until the object is covered.

My drawers are unfinished but I thought I would show you my progress and I will be back with more pics when I've completed them.

On reflection, I wish I had chosen different coloured papers - something a bit brighter, but that's an excuse to do another set when I've finished this one.

You can cover almost anything - glass, wood, ceramics, wicker and more. I have some MDF circles which I will be making into coasters and an old wooden spice rack which I will be sprucing up.

I will be stocking all the decopatch papers, glue and accessories, in my shop, very soon.

Pop along to the Saturday Challenge blog and see what a super job my DT buddies have done.

Choo Choo!

2011-03-16T19:14:00.006Z

I've been itching to have a go at the Less is More challenge but find it really difficult to do a 'simple' card, I'm so used to adding loads of embellishments and using backing papers.

However, I was really in the right frame of mind to give it a go and this is my attempt at their challenge for this week which is 'Off the edge'. It's really daunting stamping directly on to the card and you can see that the train track is a little wonky in places but I put that out of my mind and carried on regardless. I must say, I really enjoyed myself and this card was done in about 30 mins which is a bloomin record for me....... I usually take hours.

I am hooked and will be doing loads more 'simple cards' and no doubt, will be taking part in the weekly challenge.

For this card I used the 'Parcel train' clear stamp by Woodware - I stamped the train first and then masked them out and stamped the train track afterwards, and then coloured with Copic Ciao markers.

I'm off to make some sample wedding invites now while I'm on a roll.

SC Saturday Challenge - Week 125

2011-03-12T00:01:00.000Z

Hello Crafters

It's Saturday again already..........my goodness they don't half come round quick.

This weeks theme for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge has been chosen by the lovely Kate - it's a lovely theme which is also tinged with a little sadness for me as this will be the first Mothers Day since losing my dear mum last year. I have made this card with her in mind as I'm sure she's watching over me..........she always treasured the cards I made for her and she kept every single one. Anyway, Kates chosen theme is

FLOWERS FOR MUM

I've just taken delivery of some Clarity stamps in my shop and this is my very first attempt at brayering............well, I say first attempt but I mean this is my first finished brayered card after several attempts to get it right. It's not as easy as it looks but I soon realised that I was trying to run before I could walk and attempting something way too complicated so I simplified it and this is the result.

If you like Clarity Stamps and watching the talented Barbara Gray don't forget she is on TV on Sunday, 9.00-11.00 am with some new stamps. You can order the stamps after the show from www.secretcrafter.co.uk.

See you again very soon.

SC Saturday Challenge no. 124

2011-03-05T00:01:00.003Z

Thank you for taking the time to take part in our challenge last week - we had another fabulous response and they were all wonderful.

This week the theme was chosen by the lovely Helen - and this is my take on her theme which is

PATCHWORK BACKGROUNDS

For this I used the Spellbinder die - Fairisle Pendant
10mm flat backed pearls
DCWV 12x12 Luxury stack
3mm flat backed pearls

This is also the first week for our 4 new DT members - welcome to Andie, Beate, Francesca and Kelly. I look forward to seeing all your wonderful creations.

Saturday Challenge no. 123

2011-02-26T00:01:00.002Z

Hi folks!

I finally got round to making a card for my own challenge. It's been a while and I've just been itching to sit down and have some time to myself so this is what I came up with. The challenge this week was set by the lovely Helen and she chose the theme of:-

SWEET TREATS

Use something yummy on your card.

I thought this little fella fitted the bill and I coloured him to match the papers from the Basic Grey 'Kioshi' paper pad. I used a mixture of Promarkers and Copics to colour him, I really like the pale colours that come in the Copic Sketch markers and I used them also to colour the background behind him. I had some of the new Marianne Design dies in so just had to use one on my card. I punched the flowers from some leftover papers from the same pad and added a little stickles here and there. The sentiment was done on my comptuer.

I really enjoyed myself, although it took ages to do cos I'm so fussy, now I've got a huge mess on the table to clear up before my next workshop.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:-

Cupcake Craft - Cake 'n' Ice Cream
A Spoon full of Sugar - Birthday Wishes
Digital Tuesday - Punches

Bye for now

I'm back with some exciting news!

2011-02-22T17:55:00.003Z

Hello to you all.

I'm so sorry I've not been around for a while. I've had lots of things going on in my personal life over the past couple of months and not managed to get around to blogging. But I'm back now - not with a card but I have some news.

My little shop has been voted Runner-up in the Best Independent Midlands section of the Aceville awards. I collected my certificate at the trade show on Sunday and it will be taking pride of place on my wall. I'm so chuffed - thank you to all my lovely customers for voting for me. I believe the winner of the award was a bead shop in Nottingham so that makes me the number 1 card supplies shop. Whoopeee!

I was also very privileged to meet the fantastic Barbara Gray from Clarity Stamps, and she is as lovely in real life as she appears on TV. Needless to say, I will soon be adding her range of stamps to my shop and they will be available very soon. If you follow her on TV every month and want to purchase the new stamps that she introduces, they will be available to order on my website after the show has ended, and will be despatched within a few working days.

And to top it all, I met the man himself, the wonderful TIM HOLTZ and he made me a special little present to bring away with me.

So, as you can see I've had a very productive and exciting weekend. I will be back with photos very soon.

One more thing though.........there is a fabulous new machine coming to the UK. Its called ECraft and is the first and only electronic cutter that allows you to cut without a mat. See my website for more details.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Week 108

2010-11-06T00:01:00.000Z

RED & GOLD

is the theme this week chosen by the lovely Bridget.

I've had some lovely new 12"x 12" metallic card in the shop this week in a luscious Crimson colour so this was the perfect opportunity to use it.

I decided not to use any patterned paper as the crimson card together with the gold mirri looked so gorgeous and luxurious I didn't think it needed much else. I chose the Joyful Hearts Santa clear stamp by Nitwits, coloured using Promarkers and I gave him a lovely soft white beard and furry edge to his coat and hat with the Snow White fun flock. I've had it in stock in my shop for quite a while now but this week people went mad for it and I sold out. I will be getting more in very shortly though and at £2.45 it's affordable and a pot will last for ages.

The aperture and frame is Spellbinder nestie Labels 13 and I finished the card off with 10mm gold metal stickers with red nailheads stuck on top and some stickles.

Checkout the challenge blog for more inspiration from my DT buddies and why not enter the challenge yourself for a chance to win a prize.

Have a fab, safe Guy Fawkes weekend

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Week 107

2010-10-30T00:01:00.001+01:00

It's Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge Week 107 and the theme this week has been chosen by ME. After much deliberating I decided to choose

ANYTHING THAT FLIES

We are being sponsored by 'Some Odd Girl' this month and I have chosen to use one of their images 'Flyin High Mae' as she fits in well with the theme.

I had a delivery of some new stock this week and it just happened that the Cosmo Cricket Mini Deck 'Togetherness' pad had some papers that were perfect - the background paper reminds me of the tails of a kite and I cut out the clouds from one of the other papers in the pad. I cut the kite shape and matted and layered and made the 'tail' of the kite in the same way that I remembered doing when I made a homemade kite with my dad when I was a child. It was very fiddly but worth while.

Pop over to the challenge blog and take a peek at the rest of the DT projects for more inspiration.

I will be holding an OPEN WEEKEND at the shop on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st November. Lots of demos and workshops and things going on - take a look at the website for more information.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge 106

2010-10-23T00:01:00.002+01:00

This week the theme for the challenge is to use a MANGA image, so for my DT card I decided to use this cute little 'Old Fashioned Girl' one of Secret Crafters very own images which is available as a clear polymer stamp or as a digital download. Take a look over at the Challenge Blog to see the stunning cards made by my team buddies.

Card recipe:-

Papers - Cosmo Cricket mini deck Pixie-licious
Marianne Design Creatable - Double Frame
Coloured with Letraset Promarkers

I am also excited to announce the release of are 2 more new Christmas images ...........

Christmas Sledging

Christmas Angel

.......... these are available NOW as digital downloads.

Have a fab weekend.

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge - Week 104

2010-10-09T09:16:00.003+01:00

Good morning all! Well I woke up this morning expecting to see blue skies and sunshine and its raining and windy and horrid - what happened to the 22C that we were supposed to be getting today? I must tell you about the fab evening I had last night - I went to see The Full Monty which was performed by our local Amateur Dramatics Society - to be honest, I wasn't expecting it to be very good but it was the best show I've seen in a long while. It was soooo funny and we were asking ourselves would they actually do the 'Full Monty' - well they did, they were so brave. It's the last showing tonight and if you live near Brierley Hill in the West Midlands and want a good night out then get yourself a ticket (if they have any left) - it's showing at the Civic Hall - you won't be disappointed.

Now on to my card - this is my DT card for the Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge for which the theme, chosen by the lovely Suzie, is....

DISTRESSING

I used plain white linen card as my base and just used my distress inks to colour it. The image and sentiment is from 'Stylish 2" a set by Creative Expressions. The holly leaves are a woodware punch and those luscious berries are done with the Dark Carmine Red gloss gel pen by My Paper World.

There's loads more inspiration by my DT buddies over at the Challenge blog. Pop over for a lookie and if you're feeling crafty why not enter a card?

I've had a delivery this week of some lovely new paper pads by Basic Grey and Cosmo Cricket along with other goodies. Visit the Secret Crafter Shop to check them out and don't forget to go to the 'sale items' page and grab yourself a bargain

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge Week 103

2010-10-02T09:17:00.005+01:00

This is my DT challenge card for the theme chosen by my team buddie Renate which is

EASEL CARDS

I wish I could take decent pictures, this really doesn't do the card justice.

I was way out of my comfort zone this week and decided to watercolour with distress inks rather than the usual Promarkers. This lovely rose stamp is from a set by Darkroom Door, I love their stamps and they come in a tin with an image of the stamp set on the front so you have somewhere to store them. They come in unmounted red rubber, but I mounted mine on to Umount.

I used the 'In Spades' Spellbinder pendant and found that the Octagon nestie just fitted nicely when tucked under the decorative parts of the pendant. For the background I used the Jumbo Rollagraph 'Word Words' and my Tumbled Glass distress ink. The butterfly is a punch and so is the decorative corner. I finished off the base of the card with the matching 'In Spades' borderabilities and a few pearls and a little stickles. Finally, the sentiment was from this 'Happy Birthday' clear stamp set.

Pop over to the challenge blog, my teamies have come up with some stunning examples full of inspiration.