Sue's Craft Haven

MAWTT Challenge 138 - 'Hazel's Sketch'

2012-03-01T10:00:00.014Z

Good Morning! Hope everyone is well and can you believe that we are now into March!!! It seems like only yesterday that it was Christmas! And as it's Thursday we have another wonderful challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

and our lovely boss Hazel is hostess this week and she has chosen the theme of

'Hazel's Sketch'

And what a fab sketch she has designed for us! I really enjoyed working with it. I thought I'd make the digi image big and the main focus of the card.

I have chosen another fab Mo Manning image! I can't resist them - and think I have a bit of an addiction!! LOL Anyway, this cute image is called 'Duck Day' and I think it's perfect for Spring Birthdays or Easter!

The gorgeous paper is First Edition "Up, Up and Away" - I bought it a while back from my local craft shop. The half circles are Nesties and sentiment is from Pink Petticoat. I've added some of my favourite Hero Art Gems from My Crafty Heart.

These little chicks take me right back to when I was a child. Mum used to take my brother and I to John Lewis Department Store every Easter. They would have bunnies, lambs and fluffy little chicks!! All SO cute!! When I was about five or six though I remember being really heartbroken because they weren't there!! There was just a big sign saying - due to the foot and mouth epidemic!!! I asked mum where they were and she said that they were all ill !! which just made me even more upset!!! poor mum, in the end she consoled us by taking us to the restaurant for a Knickerbocker Glory!!

I've coloured with Flexmarkers, Promarkers and Copics for Skin. Some Star Dust Stickles on the puddles and raindrops!

We are sponsored this week by the fab Crafty Emma's Store.

I hope you can pop on over to MAWTT for more details of the Challenge and also to look at my teamies wonderful creations! hope you can visit them all and give them some Love!!

Don't forget that we are also having a DT Call at MAWTT and so if you are interested please click here.

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

One Stitch At a Time - Challenge 102 - 'Digi Spring/Easter' ends 3rd March 2012

Creative Inspirations - Challenge 152 - 'Anything Goes' ends 6th March 2012

Fab'n Funky - Challenge 110 - 'Let's Leap Into Action' ends 6th March 2012

Simon Says - 'Anything Goes' ends 6th March 2012

Mo's Digital Challenge - Challenge 124 - Anything Goes w/a Mo image ends 7th March 2012

Thanks for all your lovely comments! Not long until the weekend! I'm planning to do a bit of crafting but also watch some programmes on Catch Up - I have a long list!! I just hope they are still on!!

Love n Hugs!

Sue xxx

2012-02-28T15:47:00.000Z

HAVE YOU HEARD?

We are looking to expand our Design Team over at

Moving Along With The Times

If you would like to be part of our wonderful team then here is your chance.

All we ask is that you can say Yes to the following questions

Do you work well in a Team?

Can You make a card or other creative item for the challenge every week?

Are you willing to Host a challenge once every couple of months?

Do you have time to comment on 20 % of the cards we receive links to every week

Would you be willing to use Digital Images we receive to use from sponsors?

If you feel you would like to join us send an Email to Hazel (Hazze89510@aol.com) with 'MAWTT DT Call' in the Subject Line telling us why you would like to be on the Team, send also a sample of your crafting in the email and a link to your blog.

The DT Call will remain open until the 8th March 2012. New DT Members will be informed by the 10th March.
Good Luck!

Love Sue and MAWTT DT

The Getaway - DT My Crafty Heart

2012-02-25T21:47:00.000Z

Hello!! Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Today I want to show you a DT Card that I have made for My Crafty Heart. I've used one of the new Gorjuss Girl images that are now in store at MCH called 'The Getaway' - isn't she adorable!

I've had this card idea floating around my head for weeks. So it was really nice to finally put it all together. I've used My Mind's Eye paper pad called "Honey Cake" also available at MCH. I love this pad SO much!! I'm just glad that I finally managed to break into these lush papers!! LOL

The beautiful Prima Rose Trim is a neutral colour and goes beautifully with the peachy tones! I've added one of my favourite MCH vintage clock charms and some of the fab Hero Arts Gemstones on the image corners. All these are available from My Crafty Heart if you click on the links!

The sentiment is from Pink Petticoat and I've added the ribbon from stash. The gorgeous border is Nellie Snellen and I chose it as part of my prize from Simon Says Stamp a few weeks ago.

I've coloured the image with Promarkers and Copics.

I think that's everything? I am not feeling too good at the moment. I have had to start on some new Blood Pressure tablets and amongst other things they are really messing with my brain!! my memory is really bad. I keep doing the daftest things - going to the fridge for a new toilet roll !!!!!!?????? so if any of my commenting is nutty or doesn't make sense then you know why LOL. I am trying to take things easy and see if I can get used to these tablets as I really need to take them.

Oh Oops! see I knew I'd forgotten something! here is the inspiration photo for the Totally Papercrafts Challenge.

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

Stamptacular Sunday - Challenge 152 - 'Charm Me' ends 25th February 2012

Simon Says - 'Use 3 Different Papers' ends 28th February 2012

Craft Us Crazy - Challenge 21 - 'Favourite Colour or Embellishment' ends 29th February 2012

(Favourite embellishment - Vintage Clock Charm)

Totally Papercrafts- Challenge 105 - 'Inspiration Picture' ends 1st March 2012

Allsorts - Challenge 143 - 'It's Your Choice' ends 2nd March 2012

Stampin For The Weekend - Challenge 4 - 'Bingo' ends 8th March 2012

(Flowers, Polkadots and Die Cuts)

Thanks for all your lovely comments! and a big welcome to my New Followers!

I will catch up with you all very soon!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Love n Hugs!

Sue xxx

MAWTT Challenge 137 - Lots of Layers

2012-02-23T10:00:00.001Z

Good Morning! Can you believe it's Thursday again already? which means of course, a new challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

and our lovely Sandra is hostess this week for her very first Challenge. And what a fab theme she has chosen....

'Lots of Layers'

So we want to see lots of layering up! Layer up your mounts, decoupage etc. It doesn't have to be a card, as long as your creation follows the theme and has lots of layers!!

The gorgeous image is "Little Elf Finn" by Mo Manning. Isn't he adorable? I have coloured with Copics and paper-pieced using the papers. I thought it would be fun to make his little outfit and the bauble match the DP's. All his fur trims are glittered with Ultra Fine Glitter 'Candy Floss'. The gorgeous papers are from a Nitwits Kit called "Woodland Wishes." All the embellies that I've used are elements of the kit, except for the pink flower which was done with a Nellie Snellen punch and the little pink Hero Arts Gemstones in the corners of the image which are from My Crafty Heart.

I tried to get a decent photo that showed off the glittery fur trims but it just wasn't happening.... !!

We are sponsored this week by Crimson Cloud.

Crimson Cloud is a Mother and Daughter venture - a way to indulge our joint passion for cardmaking and crafting. We only sell products we have tried , tested and loved using. We have developed our own exclusive range of Die-cuts Digital stamps SVG files and "make your own Card Kits" which reflect our styles of cardmaking and hopefully yours too!

They are offering a very generous prize of 3 Packs of Die-Cuts from their site (Winner's Choice)!!

I hope you can hop on over to MAWTT for more details of the Challenge and to see my teamies wonderful creations!! They are all gorgeous!!

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

Winter Wonderland - 'A Christmas Card' ends 23rd February 2012
Allsorts - Challenge 142 - 'Anything Goes' ends 24th February 2012
One Stitch At a Time - Challenge 101 - 'Digi or No image' ends 25th February 2012
Stamps R Us - 'Anything Goes' ends 27th February 2012
Simon Says - 'Use 3 Different Papers' ends 28th February 2012

Thanks for all your lovely comments! your support means a lot to me!!
Will see you very soon!
Love n Hugs Sue xx

MAWTT Challenge 136 - 'Get Well Soon'

2012-02-16T10:00:00.001Z

Good morning!! Hope you are all well this Thursday morning. Firstly I must say a Big Thank You for all your wonderful entries last week, they were all fab and SO cute! Don't forget to check if you were a Winner. And so onto this week's Challenge - I know you are all eager to know what the theme is with....

Moving Along With The Times

The lovely Shell is our hostess this week and she has chosen the fab theme of.....

'Get Well Soon'

So we want to see 'Get Well Soon' cards/creations. And I really must make some more 'Get Well' Cards as they are so good to have in - you never know when you'll need one to cheer somebody up!

We are sponsored this week by the fab Di's Digi's.

who are offering the winner a generous prize of $10 Voucher to spend in-store!!!

I went over to Di's Digis to have a look at the images and they are all gorgeous!! I chose 'Poorly Ted' and think he is such a cutie - he would cheer up anybody feeling poorly!

The background paper is another fab freebie from Bearly Mine Designs. It looks quite a simple card doesn't it. But boy did this card give me some grief!! I did it a couple of weekends ago and my colouring mojo had disappeared completely. So nearly all images ended up in the bin!! I managed to salvage this one but then made a mess of his little toy rabbit!! So, at my wits end, I paper-pieced a new one over the top! hee hee. It felt like cheating but I'd really had enough!! and quite like it anyway. His quilt is also paper-pieced to match the paper.

I've coloured the image with Copics and Flexmarkers. The gorgeous little Green Dew Drops were part of some Candy that I won from my friend and Teamie Laurie and as soon as I started this card I knew they'd be perfect. Anyway, I'm quite pleased with how it came out in the end!!! I think it's come out quite a masculine card. I wanted it to be cute but suitable for a male or female.

I do hope you can hop on over to MAWTT for more details of the Challenge and to look at my Teamies wonderful 'Get Well' creations - they are all stunning!!

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

The Crafty Pad - Ch. 157 - 'The Letter B' ends 18th Feb 2012

Bear, Bed, (Hot Water) Bottle, Bunny

One Stitch At a Time - Ch. 100 - 'Anything Goes' ends 18th Feb 2012

Gingersnap Creations - Ch. 136 - 'Glorious Greens' ends 19th Feb 2012

Crafty Creations - Ch. 157 - 'Warm and Cuddly Teddy Bears' ends 21st Feb 2012

Creative Card Crew - Ch. 4 - 'Masculine' ends 27th Feb 2012

Truly Scrumptious - Ch. 74 - 'All Creatures Great and Small' ends 28th Feb 2012

Hotshot Craft Challenge - Ch. 4 - 'One For The Boys'

I feel a lot better than the other day, at least my sickness has gone off. I've been taking some time out to look at the 1911 Census to see if I can find anything more on my ancestors. I don't know who transcribed it though. One of my ancestors is down as having the Occupation of 'Shap Assistant Retard' !!!! Poor lady - of course she is Shop Assistant Retired!! LOL

Not long until the weekend!

Take Care

Big Hugs!

Sue xx

Liebster Award

2012-02-16T02:04:00.000Z

Woo Hoo! I was SO pleased and honoured when Susan and Lily both nominated me for the Liebster award!!! Thank You both of you - it means a lot!!

The Liebster Blog Award is used to show appreciation of smaller blogs (under 200 followers) and to help spread readership and joy. As part of the tradition the award is passed along to five other blogs that have motivated and inspired me. It comes from the German meaning dearest or beloved but can also mean favourite. To accept the award you must:

1. Link back to the person's blog who gave it to you and thank them.
2. Post the award to your blog
3. Give the award to 5 bloggers (less than 200 followers) that you appreciate and value
4. Leave a comment on the five blogs you chose to let them know

It is always hard to choose just 5. I have chosen these ladies because they are so talented and I think they all deserve more Followers!!! Please pop over and visit their blogs if you can. I promise you won't be disappointed - their creations are stunning!!!

Betka from Betka kuckoja
Lily from My Anuska Creations
Rosalee from Rosalee's Scrap Lounge
Sandra from Rose Petal Creations
Meg from Bits and Pieces

I hope you will want to accept and pass on this award.

Thanks again to Susan and Lily

Big Hugs!

Sue xxx

Fairy Vicky - My Crafty Heart DT Card

2012-02-14T16:34:00.001Z

Evening all !! (no I am not doing the Dixon of Dock Green salute!! LOL how old am I?) Hope everyone is keeping warm and snug!! Brrr... it feels really cold today. I have a stomach bug and feel yukky, so struggling with everything. Just want to crawl back into bed!!
Anyway, I enjoyed my weekend and eventually found some mojo. This card was so much fun to make. The gorgeous digi image is by the talented Teresa from My Crafty Heart and is called 'Fairy Vicky' named after my MCH teamie, the lovely Vicky. I do love this image and she is wonderful to colour!!

I really wanted this card to be like a beautiful medieval garden. I was even going to add Topiary!! but it was just too much on this card. So will save that for a larger layout!! I have distressed all the edges of the paper and then added 'Platinum' Stickles. She's coloured with Copics and Flexmarkers.

'Fairy Vicky likes to sing and dance and entertain the other fairies across the land'

I hope you like it... Photos are taken with my new 'light tent' - are they any better? LOL

Products Used: All available from My Crafty Heart

IMAGE: 'Fairy Vicky' by Teresa Allington

PAPERS: 'A Beautiful Life' 6 x 6 Pad by My Mind's Eye

FLOWERS: 'Dollhouse Collection-Marilee' and 'Resin Flowers' by My Crafty Heart

CHARM: 'Winged Charm' from 'Woodland Charm Collection' at My Crafty Heart
STICKLES: 'Star Dust' and 'Platinum' available from My Crafty Heart
GEMS: 'Small Mixed Gemstones' by Hero Arts at My Crafty Heart.

I have added the ribbon and twine from my stash.

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

Charisma Cardz - Challenge 5 - 'Things With Wings' ends 15th February 2012

Craft Us Crazy - Challenge 20 - 'Anything Goes' ends 15th February 2012

Allsorts - Challenge 141 - 'Free and Easy' ends 17th February 2012

Cupcake Craft - Challenge 179 - 'Entwined' ends 19th February 2012

Incy Wincy Designs 'Recipe - 3 Embellies, 2 DP, 1 Image' ends 19th February 2012

Tuesday Throwdown - Challenge 85 - 'Entwined' ends 20th February 2012

Stamps R Us 'Anything Goes' ends 27th February 2012

Top Tip Tuesday - Challenge 70 - 'Mystical, Magical & Fantasy' ends 27th February 2012

Ah well, just a few more jobs to do and then I am going back to bed. I just went to open the door for my mum who has come back from the shops and instead - locked her out!!! I'm worried about my brain!! At weekend I inadvertently tipped leftover white glitter into my Flock!!!!! Guess who's gonna have glittery lambs for Easter!!! hee hee.....

Thanks for all your lovely comments!!

Hopefully I will catch up with you all very soon

Love n Hugs!

Sue xx

MAWTT Challenge 135 - 'Cute Critters'

2012-02-09T10:00:00.003Z

Good morning! Can you believe it's Thursday again already? and so time for another Challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

I am a bit nervous this week as I am hostess for the very first time!! It took me while to think of a theme for my first Challenge but eventually I chose....

'Cute Critters'

So we would like to see cute animals. I'm hoping to see lots of cuddly teddy bears, fluffy Easter chicks/bunnies, cute owls, mice, monkeys! any animal as long as it is cute! It doesn't have to be a card, so you could make a Gift Box, Tag, altered item etc. - just as long as it fits the theme and has a cute critter on it!

We are sponsored this week by the fab Digi My World.

who are offering the winner a generous prize of $10 Voucher to spend in-store!!!

Annie at Digi My World very kindly gave us some images to play with. This cute little mouse is from a Set called Pip Squeaks V-Day. And if you are short on time then you can buy the set already digitally coloured!! How fab is that!

I have used a coloured digi and altered the tone slightly to go with my paper. I've also paper-pieced the hearts with pink paper to match.

The gorgeous background digital paper was a freebie from Bearly Mine Designs. Ribbon, butterfly and pearls are from stash. Sentiments are from Pink Petticoat. I've no idea why I decided to put two sentiments on this card? He must be a very 'loving' mouse!! LOL

And that's it, quite a simple design really, but do hope you like it!! and if you have time, then I hope you can join us in what promises to be a fun challenge! :-)

and don't forget to pop on over to MAWTT for more details of the Challenge and to see my Teamies wonderful cute creations!! they are all gorgeous!

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:-
Stamps R Us - 'Valentines/Love' ends 13th February 2012

Creative Inspirations - Challenge 149 - 'Lots of Love' ends 14th February 2012

Fab'n Funky - Challenge 107 - 'Love is In The Air' ends 14th February 2012

Divas by Design - Challenge 21 - 'Love is In the Air' ends 14th February 2012

Simon Says - 'Love is In The Air' ends 14th February 2012

Well, it was lovely to see the sun here in Manchester yesterday. We have some Snowdrops in our front garden and also some little crocus coming through. One even had a glimpse of purple...!! Yay! A real hint of Spring!

Hope you are all well and looking forward to the weekend - not long now!
Thanks for all your lovely comments
Love and Hugs!
Sue xx

Fairy Donna - My Crafty Heart DT Card

2012-02-03T00:02:00.000Z

Hi all, hope you are all managing to keep warm in UK! With all this horrid dull weather we are having, it's the perfect time to dream of Summer.... and this card really was a joy to make. The gorgeous digi image is by Teresa from My Crafty Heart and is called 'Fairy Donna' named after my MCH teamie, the wonderful Donna. Isn't she a beauty and a dream to colour!! Perfect for so many occasions too!

'Fairy Donna loves to relax by rocking gently in the sunshine on her rose covered swing'

Products Used: All available from My Crafty Heart

IMAGE: 'Fairy Donna' by Teresa Allington

PAPERS: 'Miss Nelly' 6 x 6 Pad by Kaisercraft

FLOWERS: 'Resin Flowers' by My Crafty Heart and 'Dusky Pink Rose Trim' by Prima

CHARM: 'Butterfly' from 'Woodland Charm Collection' at My Crafty Heart
STICKLES: 'Star Dust' available from My Crafty Heart

I've added the twine from my own stash and made the Sentiment on computer. Colouring is with Copics, Flexmarkers and Promarkers. I've added 'Star Dust' Stickles to the wings and the little buttons on her shoes. But couldn't catch the light right to show off the sparklies!!

I hope you like this card as much as I enjoyed making it! It really did brighten up my day and I've used my favourite paper pad of the moment 'Miss Nelly' - Wow! it is SO gorgeous!! I've added the photo below because it shows off the beautiful paper - it has glossy pattern and is really lush!

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

Incy Wincy Designs - Challenge 131 - 'Flower Frenzy' ends 5th February 2012
Pollycraft - Challenge 125 - 'Favourite Things' ends 5th February 2012
Crafts & Me - Challenge 68 - 'Brighten Up Your Day' ends 7th February 2012
Divas by Design - Challenge 20 - 'Anything Goes' ends 7th February 2012
Flutterby Wednesday - Challenge 188 - 'Open' with Wings' ends 7th February 2012
Creative Card Crew - Challenge 3 - 'Fantasy' ends 13th February 2012
Craft Us Crazy - Challenge 20 - 'Anything Goes' ends 15th February 2012
Paper Crafting Journey - Challenge 2 - 'Fairies/Angels' ends 15th February 2012

A big Thank You for all your lovely comments! Can you believe that it's Friday again tomorrow! not long until the weekend!! :-)
Love n Hugs!
Sue xx

Moving Along With The Times - DT Card 'Have A Heart'

2012-02-02T10:00:00.002Z

Wow! I can't believe we are now into February!! The weeks are just flying by... and as it's Thursday again - time for another Challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

This week our lovely Debs is the hostess and has chosen the fab theme of

'Have a Heart'

So we want to see Hearts on your creations. What a wonderful theme with Valentines approaching! It doesn't have to be a card. You could make an altered item, tag, gift box etc. As long as it follows the heart theme. It could be a heart-shaped card (now why didn't I think of that LOL)

I have gone very Less is More this week and kept my card quite clean and simple. We were very kindly given some fab images to play with by our Sponsor Stitchy Bear Digital Stamps. I decided to use this lovely heart wreath image. I've resized the image to fit my card blank, coloured it digitally and created the border at the same time. Then added the lovely 'Kay Knudsen' Quotation that I found on the internet. When everything was done, it was just a case of printing the whole thing out and sticking onto the card blank.

First of all I digitally coloured the leaves and then saved the image. Then I used a new technique for me - digital paper-piecing! There are a few ways to do this but this is the method I used on my Mac. In my image editing software I made all the hearts 'see through' by using the Alpha Setting.

Then I used some 'Fleurs' digital papers that were freebies from Bearly Mine Designs. I chose these because they looked like patchwork? So made the squares of paper really small and put them behind each see-through heart.

If anyone has not tried this before and is interested in having a go....this is a Tutorial for Digital Paper-Piecing done on Windows. It is similar technique to mine but keeping the paper to scale and using layers, so might take a bit longer to do.

To add some Pizzazz I have added diamante crystals randomly with a glue pen. It was quite a simple card to make but I love how it came out!! As always it looks nicer in real life as it really sparkles!!

We are sponsored this week by the fabulous Stitchy Bear Digital Stamps. They are kindly offering the Winner - a $10 Voucher to Spend in their Store!! I really do love Stitchy. If I'm ever stuck for an image for a specific theme, I can always be sure they will have something to fit!

I do hope you can hop on over to MAWTT for more details of the Challenge and to look at my Teamies wonderful 'heart' cards! :-)

Don't forget to check whether you are a winner if you entered last week. We had so many gorgeous entries and they were all stunning to look at!! It really did make commenting a joy to do!!

It's SO cold here in Manchester!!! gonna dig my thermals out tomorrow!!

But... the sun came out today!! Yippe ay Yay!!! but it showed up all the dust in my room!!

Ah well back to my card...

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

Totally Gorjuss - Challenge 116 - 'Keep it Simple Silly' ends 3rd February 2012

One Stitch At a Time - Challenge 98 - 'Use a Digi' ends 4th February 2012

Paper Sundaes - Challenge 105 - 'Valentines' ends 4th February 2012

The Crafty Pad - 'Show Some Valentines/Anniversary Love' ends 4th February 2012

Stamptacular Sunday - Challenge 149 - 'Diamonds or Pearls' ends 4th February 2012

Tuesday Throwdown - Challenge 83 - 'Use Hearts' ends 6th February 2012

Fab'n Funky - Challenge 106 - 'Use a Digi Image' ends 7th February 2012

Stamps R Us - 'Valentines/Love' ends 13th February 2012

Top Tip Tuesday - Challenge 69 - 'Valentine's' ends 13th February 2012

Hope you are all well...Stay warm and snug!

Love n Hugs!

Sue xxx

By The River

2012-01-27T21:30:00.000Z

I have finally found the time to make a Thank You card for my Uncle. Better late than never as they say. This really was a quick make but I'm quite pleased with how it came out.

The gorgeous image is 'By The River' from Lili of the Valley. I've used my favourite DCWV paper from 'Latte' Stack. I love it because it's so retro and great for masculine cards too. Sentiment is from Pink Petticoat. Leaves are from Wild Orchid Crafts and Twine is from stash. The lovely Green Sparklets are from My Crafty Heart and I Love them so much!!!

Colouring isn't brilliant but I was in a rush. And as always for me - I have used a complete mishmash (I know you love that word Chrissy!! LOL) of pens. So there's Copics, Promarkers, Flexmarkers and Spectrums altogether!!! I've added a little bit of Kars 'Rainbow White' glitter to the water hoping it looks like sun sparkling on it !!

I am spending So much time trying to get decent photos of my cards at the moment. It is driving me crazy. Today I got my camera out early afternoon and the sky went green/black - it was hail, thunder and lightning!! The Gods were displeased today!! I gave up and took photo above this evening with a lamp so hope it's ok!!

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

The Crafty Pad - Challenge 154 - 'Something for The Boys' ends 28th January 2012

Lillies Little Fairies - Challenge 4 - 'Oh Boy' ends 1st February 2012

Digi Doodle - Challenge 92 - 'Anything Goes' ends 1st February 2012

Challenge up your life - Challenge 61 - 'Thanks' ends 3rd February 2012

I would like to say a big Thank You for all your lovely comments about my last card! and a warm welcome to my New Followers! :-))

Hope you all have a good Weekend!
Love n Hugs!
Sue xxx

Moving Along With The Times (DT Card) - 'Blooming Marvellous' Challenge

2012-01-26T10:00:00.001Z

Hi all, I can't believe it's Thursday again already and so time for another Challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

This week the lovely Lisa is our hostess and she has chosen the fab theme of ....

'Blooming Marvellous'

So we want to see anything with flowers! it doesn't have to be a card, it could be a gift box, bookmark, tag or altered item etc, as long as you follow the 'flowers' theme. Lots of scope for this challenge with Valentines, Mother's Day and Easter all coming up!! I am really looking forward to seeing all your creations - all those flowers are gonna look fab!!

For my card I have chosen another Mo Manning image called Baby Fairy Yuriko. Isn't she gorgeous!! The paper is 'Vintage Rose' and Sentiment is from 'Tiny Sweetheart' Set, both from Pink Petticoat. I thought I'd make this a Valentines Card for my Daughter!

The Ribbon is from Stash and buckle was made with Memory Box Die - 'Simple Buckles' and I've coloured the Buckle with Metallic Silver Pen. The gorgeous Roses and Rosebuds are from Wild Orchid Crafts. The delish Lily-type flowers are from Bunny Zoe's.

I have Stickled Yuriko's wings and all the flowers with Star Dust. The little purple 'Hero Arts' gems are from MCH and are perfect size for putting in the corner of images. Really easy to apply also as they come in a strip!

Colouring is with Copics and Flexmarkers.

We are very pleased this week to be sponsored by the fabulous

Bunny Zoe Crafts

who are very kindly offering the winner a £10 Voucher to spend in store.

Bunny Zoe's has some fab new products in Store. I have just had a peek and there are some gorgeous new papers, Stamps, Spectrum Noirs and much more. The new Tickled Pink, Whimsy and Bildmalarna Stamps look So fab! So why not hop on over and take a look..... Bunny Zoe's New Arrivals.

Hope you like my card! and don't forget to pop over to MAWTT for more details of the Challenge and to check out the rest of the Team's creations - and Wow they are all 'Blooming Gorgeous' this week!!

I'm scheduling this Wednesday night and I can hear the rain outside yet again!!! At least it is the perfect excuse to stay inside warm and cosy! and craft!!

I've suddenly noticed that I'm going through a very 'purple' phase and I keep using it over and over!! I will have to try and use some different colour combos LOL - don't want you to get bored with my cards! although I do love Purple!! :-))

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

Cupcake Craft - Challenge 176 - 'All You Need is Love' ends 29th January 2012

Creative Inspirations - Challenge 147 - 'Anything Goes' ends 31st January 2012

Simon Says - 'Anything Goes' ends 31st January 2012

Craft Us Crazy - 'Valentine/Love' optional 'Animals' ends 1st February 2012

Paper Crafting Journey - Challenge 1 - 'Floral' ends 1st February 2012

Hotshot Craft Challenge - Challenge 3 - 'Flowers'

Not long until the weekend!

Take Care!

Big Hugs!

Sue xx

Fairy Sue

2012-01-23T22:32:00.001Z

Hi all, well...here she is .... is my very own Fairy Sue!! drawn by the mega talented Teresa. And you can buy her from My Crafty Heart!! Ooh I am so honoured to have a fairy named after me (blush) and it is so thoughtful of Teresa to have created fairies for all the My Crafty Heart Design Team. Thank you heaps hun!!!

The gorgeous paper is Alla Prima. The flower is Prima Teal Rose Trim. The little purple crystals are Hero Arts small mixed Gemstones. Stickles used are Star Dust (on wings and grass) and Tiara Glitz on the buckle. All available from My Crafty Heart.

I've used a 'Fleur de Lis' Rectangle Nestie that I got for Christmas. I've wanted these nesties for so long! I also got some Memory Box - 'Simple Buckles' and I love them! you can do so many things with them. Here I have added 'Tiara' Glitz Stickles which are extra sparkly!!

Papermania Ribbon is from stash - I have had it for ages and forgotten about it but it just happened to fit the buckle and be the right colour. Sentiment is from Pink Petticoat.

And that's it really. I've not added too many embellishments on this one as I really don't think it needs it.

I love that this card is So pretty and yet it will still fit into an envelope!!! So great for posting!! :-))

I have coloured Fairy Sue with Copics and Flexmarkers. It doesn't show up in the photo below but the fairy wings and grass are dusted with Star Dust Stickles.

and in Teresa's own words.....

Fairy Sue is a kind and thoughtful fairy who likes to enjoy the sunshine and flowers...

Blogger was misbehaving yesterday. I had to completely re-do a Post because one paragraph of text kept going into a HUGE ugly font!!!! also the blooming light is awful for taking photographs. The only decent photo I could get of this card was this one taken at an angle with lamp!! Oh roll on Spring and Summer and lighter days and evenings .... Sue really does like the sunshine and flowers!!! :-)

I would also like to say a big Thank You to Robin!!! (Teresa's son) who made this beautiful Blog Button with Fairy Sue on ... isn't it gorgeous!!!

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

Flutterby Wednesday - Challenge 186 - 'Open' Butterfly, Angel or Fairy ends 24th January 2012

Truly Scrumptious - Challenge 72 - 'Something Forgotten' ends 31st January 2012

Sentimental Sunday - Challenge 86 - 'Die Cuts' ends 28th January 2012

ABC Challenge - 'H is for Happy Birthday' ends 31st January 2012

Creative Belli Blog - Challenge 136 - 'Frames' ends 31st January 2012

Hope everyone has had a good start to the week! and if not, then I hope it gets better soon! We have got snowdrops out in our front garden - can't wait for the Crocus and Daffodils...and Easter!!

Thanks for visiting and for all your lovely comments!

Love n Hugs!

Sue xx

Moving Along With The Times (DT Card) - 'Things With Wings' Challenge

2012-01-19T10:00:00.006Z

Hi all, It's Thursday and so time for another Challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

This week the lovely Pami is our hostess and she has chosen the fab theme of ....

'Things With Wings'

I think you are all going to love this challenge! So many things with wings!! could be a bird, could be a plane, (maybe not Superman!), but a fairy or an insect.... so hope you will all join in the fun!

I have chosen a gorgeous image by Mo Manning called Fairy Tabia. I adore her!! I also decided on an Art Deco theme. I saw a similar design with the design paper arranged in a fan in this month's Simply Cards and Papercraft. I made my own template and used some 'Lilac Mist' paper by Wild Rose Studio.

The gorgeous Carnations and lilac rosebuds are from Wild Orchid Crafts. The sparkly pink flowers are from Dies to Die For. The heart ribbon is from Handy Hippo. The Sentiment was made on computer using an Art Deco Font.

I've coloured her using Copics for Skin and Hair. Flexmarkers for the dress and wings. The Flexmarker are finally growing on me !!! Now I have the darker colours I can blend them with the pale. The little brown stars on her dress are Tan Promarker and I have added some 'Platinum' Glitz Stickles from My Crafty Heart Store. I love the Glitz Stickles - they are SO sparkly! I have gone over the veins of her wings with Sakura Glitter Pen 'Clear Star' and I was aiming for a Stained Glass effect.

I loved doing the Art Deco theme and will definitely be doing more!!

Our fab sponsor this week is Crafty Emma's Store who are very generously offering the winner a £10 Voucher to spend in their store!

Do pop on over to MAWTT for more details of the Challenge and also to take a look at the gorgeous cards my Teamies have made this week - they are all SO beautiful this week!!!

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

Wild Orchid Crafts - Challenge 40 - 'Anything Goes' ends 22nd January 2012

Dream Valley - Challenge 23 - 'Anything Goes' ends 21st January 2012

Flutterby Wednesday - Challenge 186 - 'Open' Butterfly, Angel or Fairy ends 24th January 2012

Hope everybody is well

Not long until the weekend! ;-)

Big Hugs!

Sue xx

Fairy Vixx

2012-01-18T16:53:00.000Z

Here is another beautiful Fairy by Teresa called Fairy Vixx after our lovely Teamie Vicky! Available at Teresa's brand new store My Crafty Heart.

I've used some 'Alla Prima' paper. The crochet green flower is from 'Love Note Collection - Botanical' by Prima. The other gorgeous flower is from a 'Prima Rose Trim - Teal'. The Charm is from Woodland Charm Collection. All available from My Crafty Heart.

The Sentiment is from Pink Petticoat. Ribbon, bow and gem flower are from my stash.

I've coloured her with Copics, Promarkers, Flexmarkers and Spectrum Noirs!!!!

I am really peed off with Hotmail !!! Apparently some emails have gone missing and I haven't received them!! So if anyone has sent me an email and not had a reply then that is why!!!

It was a lovely surprise today to see that I'd won Simons Says Challenge and $50 to spend in Store! Woo Hoo!

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

Charisma Cardz Challenge 1 - 'Happy Birthday!!!' ends 18th January 2012

One Stop - Challenge 165 - 'On the Spot and Ribbon' ends 20th January 2012

Dream Valley - Challenge 23 - 'Anything Goes' ends 21st January 2012
Pollycraft Challenge 123 - 'Bingo' 22nd January 2012
(Ribbon, Sparkle, Flowers)

Hope you are all well and having a good week!
If you are not well - there are some nasty bug(ger)s going around!!! then I hope you feel better real soon!!
Love Sue xxx

Spring Fling Candy Winner!!!

2012-01-16T15:27:00.000Z

Sorry for delay in posting the winner! I meant to schedule this post and forgot!! Didn't the 15th January come around quickly!!

I paid a visit to my psychic random org thingy in the wee small hours and it picked a

winner!!

Random numbers generated Jan 16 2012 at 2:54:57 by www.psychicscience.org

Free educational resources for parapsychology, psychical research & mind magic.

Claire M

Big Congratulations Claire!!!!

If you email me your address hun, I will get your Candy in the Post as soon as possible. My email address is on my Profile Page.

Thank you to everyone who entered! and I hope to do some more little giveaways very soon. I prefer to do small and frequent and give more people a chance!!! Also I can vary the prizes.

A big Welcome to all my New Followers - I really hope you will stick with me and I hope to catch up with you all very soon!!

Big Hugs!

Love Sue xxx

Feathered Friends

2012-01-16T02:31:00.000Z

Here's a card that I haven't posted before and would like to enter into the new Lili Of The Valley Challenge - Lili's Little Fairies. This week they want to see your Favourite LOTV Stamp!!! This card was a last minute Christmas Card for my dad as I really wanted to use the image - isn't it gorgeous!! We love feeding the birds in our garden and so this was a big hit with all the family!!

The gorgeous paper is from Basic Grey - 'Jovial' Pad. Ribbon, Wreath Charm and Gem are from stash. The sentiment was made on computer.

I really enjoyed colouring this image. I did it just for fun and used a mixture of Copics and Spectrum Noirs. I dusted the background with ink but I can't remember what colour? Sorry! The falling snow is Liquid Pearl - Silver. The snow on ground is Kars Glitter mixed with 'Wow' White Flock.

I would like to enter the following Challenges:-

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge 80 - 'Baby It's Cold Outside' ends 16th January 2012

Lillies Little Fairies - Challenge 2 - 'Favourite LOTV Stamp' ends 18th January 2012

Dream Valley - Challenge 23 - 'Anything Goes' ends 21st January 2012

Lexi's Creations - Challenge 56 - 'Anything Goes' ends 21st January 2012

ABC Christmas Challenge - A is for 'Anything Christmas Goes' ends 24th January 2012

Sorry if I didn't get around to visit everyones blogs this weekend. I have been feeling a bit off and so trying to chill out. I don't think I'm very good at relaxing though !!! I need more practice ;-)

Will be back soon with a winner for my Candy!

Take Care!

Love Sue xxx

My Crafty Heart

2012-01-14T14:27:00.000Z

It's Saturday 14th January!! Today the My Crafty Heart store opens!!!! Woo Hoo!!!

It's Teresa's new online shop and just take a look at what is available to buy !!!

Digital images created by Teresa herself and exclusive to her store.
Papers by Authentique, Basic Grey, Kaisercraft, My Mind's Eye, Prima, Melissa Frances
Rubber and Clear Stamps by Gorjuss and Hero Arts
Dies by Memory Box
Gems and Sparklets by Jenni Bowlin, Kaisercraft, Hero Arts,
Punches by Martha Stewart
Flowers by Prima and My Crafty Heart
Stickles, Glossy Accents, Zig Glue Pen
Inks by Ranger -Tim Holtz and Memento
Gorgeous selection of unique charms!!
Pretty Pins by Jenni Bowlin
and a beautiful selection of ribbons, lace and trims....

All the items have been chosen personally by Teresa to be sure of the very best quality.

I really hope you will pop on over to

My Crafty Heart

and take a look.....

Also do pop on over to Teresa's blog as she has a wonderful digi image freebie for you all to Celebrate ;-) !!!!!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Love n Hugs!

Sue xxx

Moving Along With The Times (DT Card) - 'Spots and/or Stripes' Challenge

2012-01-12T10:00:00.002Z

Hi all, Hope you are all well and settling back into a normal routine after the festive break. It's the beginning of a new year and we have lots to look forward to here at

Moving Along With The Times

Some brand new sponsors, fab prizes, wonderful themes and a big Birthday celebration planned in Midsummer!!! So hope you will join us in what promises to be a wonderful 2012 !!

So onto this week's Challenge and the lovely Laurie is our hostess and has chosen the fab theme of ..

'Spots and/or Stripes'

So, we want to see anything with Spots or Stripes, or both!! There are lots of lovely papers around that will fit this theme and remember it doesn't have to be a card - you can make any project as long as it has spots and/or stripes!

Our fab sponsor this week is:-

Sir Stampalot!!

who are very kindly offering the following prize for our lucky winner!

Ooh, I wish I could enter - what a lovely prize! :-)

and that's not all....

We have an additional prize up for grabs on this challenge.

A GDT spot to join us at MAWTT for a whole month!

If you want to be in with a chance of this fabulous opportunity please add GDT after your name when you enter the challenge!

I bought some gorgeous Zebra Stripe pattern paper by Anna Griffin just before Christmas and so thought it was perfect for this challenge!!! It's flocked and gorgeous and you just want to stroke it all the time LOL.

The gorgeous rolled rose die was a pressie from my good friend and teamie Laurie and is Marianne Creatables 'English Rose'. Thank you hun!!! I glittered the edges of the rose with Sakura Glitter Pen.

The fab image and sentiment is from Pink Petticoat. I had seen these lovely Diva Doodles before when shopping and had managed to resist!! but I wanted an image that was quick to colour and I realised that the images would go with the paper !!!! So perfect excuse for another shopping spree!! LOL

Colouring is with Flexmarkers and Promarkers. The spotty ribbon and pearls are from my stash. I was stressed when I made this and looking at it now, I wish that I'd done a fancy edging on the card strip where ribbon is!! I really hate it as it is !!! Might try this card again and try and do a better version!!!

I really hope you can join us in this week's challenge and do pop over to MAWTT for more details
and to check out the rest of the teams gorgeous creations!!!

I think that's everything. Although, I nearly forgot to schedule this post!!

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

CES - Challenge 67 - 'Anything Goes' ends 13th January 2012

Cupcake Craft - Challenge 174 - 'Something New' ends 15th January 2012

(My Something new is the Rolled Rose Die that I 'got for Christmas')

Stamps R Us - 'What Did You Get for Christmas' ends 15th January 2012

Top Tip Tuesday - Challenge 67 - 'Anything Goes' ends 16th January 2012

Crafty Creations - Challenge 152 - 'Something New' ends 17th January 2012

(rolled rose die)

Simon Says - 'Spots and/or Stripes' ends 17th January 2012

Thank you for all your lovely comments and a warm welcome to all my new Followers!! I'm sorry if I haven't caught up with all of you yet. And if you haven't already entered my Candy and would like to do so, then please click HERE.

Not long until the weekend! Hope there is something nice on TV to watch! Did you see Edwin Drood! I thought it was very atmospheric and really enjoyed it.

Take Care!

Love Sue xxx

My Crafty Heart

2012-01-11T13:24:00.000Z

Here's another Sneak Peak for My Crafty Heart - a brand new Crafting Store which opens on Saturday 14th January.

Now I have to apologise for the photos as we've had perpetual rain and very poor light here for days and I have taken So many photos!!! and these are the best :-(

This gorgeous 'My Crafty Heart' Fairy drawn by Teresa is the logo for the store and website. Isn't she gorgeous!!

Her skin and hair are coloured with Copics and the rest with Flexmarkers. Lots of 'Star Dust' Stickles have been added to the heart, wings and cloud. Also to the little hearts although it doesn't show at all in the photos.

The 'Star Dust' Stickles, gorgeous flowers and charm will all be available from MCH Store.

The paper is 'Lilac Mist' by Wild Rose Studio and you can win it in my Candy Draw!!! There are still a few days left to enter!! Just click on the photo in upper right of my sidebar!

The larger purple flower has been sprayed with Lavender Mist which I have had for about 9 months and never used! But it was just the right shade to add some sparkle to this flower.

The lace was a freebie with a magazine. The Sentiment is from Pink Petticoat. I daren't go on there again as they have a Sale on until Sunday! I have already had one spending spree! I got more Sentiments as they are so quick to print out. Also some cute Xmas images on offer!

I would like to enter the following Challenges:-
Fairy Fun Friday - Challenge 69 - 'Things with Sparkly Wings' ends 12th January 2012
Craft your Passion - Challenge 92 - 'Mythical Creatures' ends 15th January 2012
Scrap Creations - 'Glitter' ends 16th January 2012

Hope everyone is keeping well and staying warm!
It won't be long until Valentines Day and then Spring.... lighter nights and a wee bit of sunshine!!
Love n Hugs!
Sue xx

Sweet Hearts!

2012-01-08T00:05:00.002Z

As I haven't posted much lately I thought I would share this card that I made for my friend and teamie Lisa who has just announced her engagement! Isn't it nice to hear some good news for the New Year!

The digital image is from Ladybug Crafts Ink and is quite appropriately called 'The Proposal' and is from a fab set of images. They also have a sale on this month with cling stamps 1/2 price! The paper and heart are from Stitchy Bear Stamps and were part of a Valentine Set that I won last year. I have added the wording inside the heart. The heart ribbon is new in my stash from Handy Hippo. Pearls and gems are from stash.

I have to say the stone on the ring looks enormous in this photo !!! hee hee - he must be loaded!! it was the smallest gem that I had and is Hero Arts 2mm crystals which will be available from My Crafty Heart Store which opens on 14th January!

Colouring is a mish mash of Copics, Flexmarkers and Promarkers! and sorry I forgot to note down the colours!!

I would like to enter this into the Challenges:-

Delightful Challenges - 'Have a Heart' ends 11th January 2012

Digi Doodle - Challenge 89 - 'New Beginnings' ends 11th January 2012

Top Tip Tuesday - Challenge 67 - 'Anything Goes' ends 16th January 2012

By the Cute & Girly 'New Beginnings' ends 30th January 2012

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Will catch up with you soon!

Love Sue xxx

Sneak Peak - MY CRAFTY HEART - Fairy Ira

2012-01-05T16:54:00.000Z

Here's an exciting Sneak Peak for you of .....

My Crafty Heart

The store will be opening on Saturday 14th January 2012

The products used on this card are just a taste of what will be on offer in Teresa's Fab new Online Shop... I have added Turquoise card from my stash and made sentiment on computer. Other than that, everything is from the My Crafty Heart Store.

The paper is Alla - Prima 6 x 6 Pad and is a selection of lemons, turquoise and greens. Perfect for Spring and also for fairy images!!

I have used some 'Waterfall' Stickles for the first time and I love them !! It's a bit like Star Dust only it has a slight blue tinge. I have distressed the paper edges and stickled them.

The gorgeous Teal Rose Trim is by Prima and matches perfectly with the turquoise in the pad.

The lovely little Yellow Resin Flower, Gingham Ribbon, and Butterfly Charm are all from MCH.

I have used one of Teresa's own digis named Fairy Ira after the lovely Ira herself who is a member of our Design Team. I dusted the background with 'Bundled Sage' distress ink which shows up better in the above photos! and I have also added 'Waterfall' stickles to her wings.

'Ira is a very serene, calm fairy, she likes nothing more than to dance amongst the flowers in her bare feet!!'

I really enjoyed colouring her. She is a dream to colour and you can get some lovely depth of shading with the waves in her hair.

Well I hope you enjoyed my 'Sneak Peak' Card as much as I enjoyed making it !!! I am going to have to do another Sneak Peak now...... LOL

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

Craft your Passion - Challenge 91 - 'Anything Goes + Distressing' ends 8th January 2012

Incy Wincy Designs - Challenge 127 - 'Anything Goes' ends 8th January 2012

Papertake Weekly - 'Anything Goes' (using my new stash) ends 9th January 2012

Cute Card Thursday - Challenge 198 - 'What's New' - almost everything! :-) ends 11th January 2012

Ladybug Crafts Ink - Challenge 51 - 'Use Your New Stash' ends 15th January 2012

Top Tip Tuesday - Challenge 67 - 'Anything Goes' ends 16th January 2012

Hope everyone is keeping well and safe. The wind last night was dreadful !! SO noisy - we didn't get much sleep at all.

Don't forget to enter my candy (Top Right) if you wish!

Love n Hugs!

Sue xx

Sue's Spring Fling

2012-01-04T15:01:00.000Z

Wow! I can't believe that I've reached 115 Followers!! To celebrate I have a little giveaway with a 'Spring Theme' that I have been meaning to do ever since I reached 100 Followers. A big Thank You for all your support and lovely comments!! You all rock!! and I have made so many wonderful friends this last year since I began blogging. A big welcome to all my New Followers too, it is great to have you on board.

So here's what you can win .......

Marianne Creatables Flower Fantasy Die
Lilac Mist 6 x 6 Paper Pad
3 Butterfly Bellies
Wooden Heart Buttons with Kitty and Flowers on

If you would like to win......

1. Become a Follower if you are not already, (but only if you like my work)
2. Put the above picture in your sidebar linking back to my Blog
3. Add your name in the linky below

Closing date will be 15th January 2012 at 11pm GMT and I will pick a Winner by Random Org and announce shortly after.

The draw is open to all ..... So please do join in the fun.

I'm sorry that I have not got around to see a lot of you in past week or so. Things have been a bit tough at home. I hope to post a card really soon and hopefully catch up on some commenting also.

I hope you are all managing to get back into the routine after the holidays! Ooh I don't envy those of you who have to go back to work - must be like going back to school after the Summer Holidays!!!
Hope you are all well
Love Sue xxx

2011-12-31T19:23:00.000Z

Happy New Year Animations provided by MySpaceGraphicsandAnimations.net

Just wanted to wish you all A Very Happy New Year!!!!!!

I know New Year is not always a happy time for everyone and if that is the case then I really hope that things turn around for you in 2012.....

Lets Hope that 2012 brings us all some Good Health, Happiness and Prosperity to us all....

I have my loving family all around me for New Year, so I feel very blessed !!! :-))

I'm not a big fan of New Years Eve - as too much looking back! Prefer to look forward and I Love New Years Day and putting up all the new Calendars!!! Our house is a bit odd in that we have loads of Calendars all over the house!! Last year I had 3 in my room!! I know!! that is odd!!! but we just love them...

This year I have a Thomas Kinkade one and a lovely Wonders of the World one. Oh and a Page a Day Desktop one with 1,000 Places to See Before You Die!!!!! Ooh er.... don't think I'll ever get to any of the places - but it's sure nice looking LOL

Take Care!

Speak to you all soon!

Love Sue xxx

Moving Along With The Times (DT Card) - 'Step Back in Time' Challenge

2011-12-29T10:00:00.005Z

Hi all, It's Thursday and so time for another Challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

This week our lovely boss Hazel is our hostess and she has chosen the fab theme of ....

'Step Back in Time'

So, if you are itching to get back crafting again after all the festivities, why not have some fun and join in the Challenge. So we would like to see cards that are music/retro related. You have plenty of time as this week's challenge is running for 2 weeks again and so you have until 8pm GMT on 11th January 2012 to enter!

Our sponsor this week are Digi My World.

who have very generously given us some gorgeous pre-coloured image sets to play with. So an easy peasy week for us this week! Thanks Hazel !! I chose the wonderful Heidi who is a 60s 'Groovy Baby' and takes us back to the Sixties. Very Austin Powers!

When I saw the image I thought of shiny vinyls and remembered that I had some glossy lime green card blanks from The Works. So then just a case of printing out the image set from Digi My World. You can resize all the images to your hearts desire and arrange them on one sheet to print out. It was really easy and all the images from Digi My World print out really nicely! Perfect for a really quick card make.

Pop on over to MAWTT Website for more details of the challenge and prize and to take a look at the rest of the team's creations - they are all fab and groovy this week! and don't forget to check whether you were a winner in last fortnight's challenge!

Also we have a Fab new member on our Team - Sandra! So hope you will pop over, say hello and make her feel very welcome!

My mum became unwell and had to be taken into hospital yesterday, so please forgive if I don't get around to all your Blogs. I hope to catch up with you all very soon!

I know there are some nasty viruses doing the rounds and so hope you are all keeping as well as possible!!

Love n Hugs
Sue xx

Edit: My daughter has just phoned from hospital to say my mum is looking a lot better today. They are still running tests but they said it could be diverticulosis. I am just glad that she sounds a lot better - she was SO ill yesterday bless her. Thanks for all your kind comments. I am fine but shattered!!! it's all the worrying and waiting. Will speak to you all very soon!!

Love Sue xx

Wishing You All A Very Peaceful and Happy Christmas!!!!

2011-12-24T16:49:00.000Z

Winter Scene Graphics provided by MySpaceAnimations.com

Lots of Love

Sue xxxx

Some Exciting News!

2011-12-22T17:58:00.000Z

Well I hope you are all ready for Christmas… presents wrapped, food at the ready, extra batteries for your remotes!!!! Not long to go now and little ones (and big ones!) will be getting very excited about Santa coming!

I usually dread that time just after Christmas when all the decorations come down! and I always leave up some Fairy Lights to brighten up the evenings.

But… in a way I can't wait for 2012, I think it's gonna be a great Crafting Year. Yes, sadly some Challenges and Shops have closed this last year, which I hate to see. But as the saying goes … as one door closes… another one opens….

I have been keeping secret some exciting news and I am so glad to be able to now share it with you! Teresa over at My Crafty Heart is opening a new Online Papercrafting Store which will go live online on Saturday 14th January 2012!!!! The shop will sell lots of the goodies that we all know and love and more besides because Teresa herself is designing and selling some new gorgeous digital images!

And .... I was SO excited when Teresa asked me to be on the Design Team and I am really looking forward to working with her and my other Teamies who are Vicky, Vicky, Donna, Ira and Mel. Just after Christmas we will be giving you all a sneak peak of what's coming up, so do watch this space. Her images are awesome - you will love them!

The Online store will be called My Crafty Heart and here is just a taste of what they will have in store... Designer Papers from Basic Grey, My Mind's Eye, Prima, Authentique, Kaisercraft and more... Beautiful Flowers and Embellishments from Prima, Jenny Bowlin, Kaisercraft and Hero Arts to name a few, Inks and Glitters from Ranger & Tim Holtz, Dies from Memory Box, plus they will also have some wonderful and unusual Charms....

I hope you are as excited as I am !!!! and please check back often for more details and previews.... I can't wait.... and I'm sure you'll join with me in wishing Teresa every success in her new and exciting venture!!

I can't believe where today has gone. The family have been out last minute shopping and so I put some ready made sausage rolls in the oven. Simple task you would think. It said 10 minutes Gas Mark 6. Well I completely forgot about them!!!! for 30 minutes!!! When I looked they were cooked to perfection? LOL. Our oven is faulty and everything takes longer which is just as well. Really worried about my memory!!

I hope you are all ready for Christmas now. I know some of you have come down with colds, so if you are unwell I hope you get better very soon!!

Take Care

and Have a very Happy Christmas & New Year!

Love n Hugs!

Sue xx

Cute Stocking

2011-12-21T04:22:00.000Z

I told you I would be back soon LOL!! When I was commenting I saw some gorgeous Stockings on Caroline's Blog. Well I thought they were fab. You open up the top and there is space to put gift voucher or money. The template is free from Waltzing Mouse Stamps.

The pink paper and matching Tag was freebie with Cardmaking and Papercraft and is still available to download. The red paper is from Pink Petticoat. The gorgeous snowflake with the gem is from Sew Sweet. After seeing those gorgeous Felt Kits on Vicky's Website, I thought I would take a look. They have some wonderful things.... thanks Vicky for sharing the link!! The delivery was so quick and they added in some of the snowflakes as a little extra!! I bought the Gingerbread Men Kit.

It was a very quick make, so it's not perfect inside.... don't look too closely!! The gorgeous sentiments and holly inside the top of the Stocking are from a Forever Friends set that was part of the Candy that I won from Sarah. What a fab parcel of goodies she sent!! Thank You Sarah! it was like an early Christmas Present!

I'm quite pleased with how this turned out considering how quickly I made it. I love the colours on it. I will tie the ribbon much neater when I have put the money inside!!!! ;-)

Hope you like it...

I would like to enter the following Challenges:-

Paper Crafting Journey - Challenge 25 - 'Christmas Challenge' (ends 21st December 2011)

Charisma Cardz - Challenge 49 - 'Last Minute Christmas Makes' (ends 21st December 2011)

One Stop - Challenge 162 - 'Christmas Sparkle' (ends 23rd December 2011)

Top Tip Tuesday - Challenge 65 - 'Anything Christmas' (ends 27th December 2011)

PaperPlay - Challenge 50 - 'Christmas' (ends 4th January 2012)

Ooh La La Creations - Challenge 95 - 'Anything But a Card' (ends 8th January 2012)

Off to get a few hours sleep now! I keep falling asleep after tea and then I'm wide awake half the night!!

I think it's the dark evenings. It was pitch black outside at 4.15pm. But then tomorrow is the shortest day I think? so from then on it will be getting lighter everyday!! :-)

Thanks for looking and for all your lovely comments!

and a big Welcome to my New Followers!!

Love Sue xx

Christmas Tags

2011-12-21T03:40:00.000Z

I thought I would show you some tags that I made. The photos are terrible I'm afraid!! They look lovely and sparkly in real life... and I forgot to photograph the reverse which has To: and From: and Greeting!

They were really easy to make and I'm pleased with how they came out. All the images are pre-coloured ones from Cuddly Buddly. The ones in the first batch were freebie when I ordered the other images!!

I just resized them all to 4cm square and did a square for the back with the greeting on. Then added glitter and sparkly string.

I would like to enter the following Challenges:-

Paper Crafting Journey - Challenge 25 - 'Christmas Challenge' (ends 21st December 2011)

Charisma Cardz - Challenge 49 - 'Last Minute Christmas Makes' (ends 21st December 2011)

Stampin' For the Weekend - Challenge 22 - 'Christmas' (ends 22nd December 2011)

One Stop - Challenge 162 - 'Christmas Sparkle' (ends 23rd December 2011)

Top Tip Tuesday - Challenge 65 - 'Anything Christmas' (ends 27th December 2011)

Sweet Stampin - 'Sparkle and Bling' (ends 30th December 2011)

Hope you are all going on ok and nearly ready for Christmas! I wrapped all my pressies up today! so the tags came in very handy!! ;-)

Will be back very soon!

Love Sue xx

It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas ......

2011-12-18T11:00:00.022Z

As promised here is my little Klonstsmide Christmas Tree!! It's very small but I think it's got more lights on than Blackpool Illuminations LOL

it's SO pretty!! and so easy to put up!!

If you want to make it look more elegant you can change the disc and have white lights that glisten instead of the colours.

Just in case you want to see it in action...

and thought you might like to see this photo of my beautiful daughter Christina. She went to a Venetian Masked Ball at Tatton Park (posh stately home up North!!) on Friday evening for her boyfriend's Christmas Works 'Do'. She wore this lovely black dress and said she wished she had a shrug or cardigan.

Well, like a Fairy Godmother, my mum whisked out this Vintage Black Lace Shrug!! Apparently it was my Gt Grandmothers!!! I didn't know it existed! LOL Anyway, she looked gorgeous as her Prince Charming whisked her off to the Ball. I wanted to take a photo of her beautiful diamante mask but she'd packed it away until she got to her boyfriends. Oh and she said it was snowing when she got there and reindeer were roaming the grounds! How cool is that!!

She has gone up to Yorkshire now to stay at her boyfriend's parents until next Wednesday, then she is coming home for Christmas!! I've not seen much of her for the past few months as she has been working hard on her Phd and doing some teaching. So will be nice just to chill out and watch tv together and have some nice food!

Really enjoyed Strictly and I think in the end the right person won. But also think Brucie was right in a way... it was very, very close this year and they were all winners really!!

I am feeling a little better today and it definitely feels more Christmassy now that I've got my tree up!

Going to watch Songs of Praise at 4.30pm and sing a few carols.... and then watch Countryfile as it's a special Christmas edition.

Anybody who is worried about cooking the Christmas Dinner and impressing the In Laws? then watch the first 5 minutes of this video from the 60s.... it's classic..

Fanny Craddock

Hope everyone is ok and well.
See ya soon!
Love Sue xx

Moving Along With The Times (DT Card) - 'Cats and Dogs' Challenge

2011-12-15T10:00:00.141Z

Morning! I can't believe that it's Thursday again already and so time for another Challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

This week our lovely boss Hazel is our hostess and she has chosen the fab theme of ....

'Cats and Dogs'

So, if like me, you have Christmas Cards coming out of your ears!!! then why not join us for something a bit different! This week's challenge is running for 2 weeks and so you have until 8pm GMT on 28th December to enter!

Our sponsor this week is Robyn's Fetish who have very kindly given us these images and papers to play with. Now I was spoilt for choice and started off with a dog image, hence the ribbon with dogs on!! Then I tried one of the cat images and really liked it. So there is a bit of 'Cat and Dog' on my card LOL

Ribbon is from stash. Sparkly flowers are from Dies to Die For. I felt the flowers needed something more and remembered some leaves that Laurie my Teamie kindly sent me! Thank you hun!

Colouring:-

Promarkers: Burn Orange, Honeycomb, Peach, Pale Peach, Tan, Cinnamon

Spectrums: Cream

We are sponsored this week by the wonderful Robyn's Fetish.

Pop on over to MAWTT Website for more details of the challenge and prize, and to take a look at the rest of the team's creations - lots of cute cards this week! and don't forget to check whether you were a winner in last week's challenge!

I've come down with a flu-type cold and temperature and feel completely wiped out at the moment, so just muddling through and doing what I can. I have finally written all my Christmas Cards but hope I have done them correctly as I didn't feel very 'with it' when I did them!!

My daughter was going over to her boyfriend's last night so I said she could take his present over. It took me an hour to wrap it up!! Not only because I felt ill but the 'luxury wrapping paper set' that we'd bought was in fact rubbish!! The paper was see-through and you could read lettering of what gift was. So I took one of the 'luxury' bows and some 'luxury' ribbon and wrapped it around strategically to cover the writing. Then the bow unravelled in front of me and lay there limp like a dead snake. Also all the colour started coming off the curling ribbon and it looked pants!!! Ooh I was cursing a certain Big Supermarket Chain for selling such shoddy goods!

I haven't got my tree up yet but hopefully very soon.... so watch this space LOL.

Just in case we miss each other in the 'big rush' up until Christmas, I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year! Hope you all stay as healthy as possible and have a peaceful and relaxing holiday with family and friends!

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

Ladybug Crafts Ink - Challenge 50 - 'Bingo' - ends 2nd January 2012

(using Ribbon, Flowers, Punches)
Allsorts - Challenge 133 - 'It Takes Two (Colours)' -ends 16th December 2012

(colours orange and brown)

I'm looking forward to the Strictly Final on Saturday and I'm SO happy that Downton Abbey is on Christmas Day. We have late dinner usually about 4pm, so just enough time to eat and digest before it starts - perfect!

Take care!
Love n Hugs
Sue xx

Moving Along With The Times (DT Card) - Challenge 128 - 'Last Minute Christmas''

2011-12-08T10:00:00.014Z

Morning sweeties! hope you are all well this Thursday morning. There is some wild weather knocking about, especially up North, and so hope you are all keeping warm and safe!! A good excuse to stay indoors and do some crafting methinks! and join in our fab challenge this week at

Moving Along With The Times

and this week the lovely Lisa is our hostess and she has chosen the fab theme of ....

'Last Minute Chrismas'

So a great opportunity to make those 'last minute' Christmas Cards or Projects and combine it with this fab challenge! It doesn't have to be a card, it could be tag, altered item, bookmark - as long as you follow the theme and it is something Christmassy!! Look forward to seeing all your wonderful entries!

Stitchy Bear Stamps very generously gave us some gorgeous images to play with. This cutie is called 'Elf Secrets"and as soon as I saw her I thought of Candy Canes and Red, Green and White combo.

I had an urge to be creative and so made the paper by drawing stripes on manilla envelope and colouring with Copics. Then scanned it into digital software and gave it a canvas and wavy effect. Not really happy with the photos. Couldn't get the light right. I've added stickles around the distressed edges. The 2nd photo is darker but shows up the sparkle a little better.

The poinsettia is from Wild Orchid Crafts and I've added some red stickles around the edges. Behind the image is some lovely silver mesh which was freebie with magazine. Ribbon is from Joanna Sheen. 'Santa is Coming' Tag is from Stash. I have hundreds of tags and toppers so am determined to use more if I can.

I've coloured her with Copics and added Star Dust Stickles. The background is ink dusted with Memento 'Bamboo Leaves'.

And that's my little card for this challenge - I hope you like it!

We are sponsored this week by the wonderful Stitchy Bear Stamps who are very kindly offering the winner $10 voucher to spend in their store! Lots of lovely images to choose from.

Pop on over to MAWTT Website for more details of the challenge and to take a look at the rest of the team's creations - they are all gorgeous! and don't forget to check whether you were a winner in last week's challenge!

I have some good news! I received my camera back from repair Wednesday morning 11am and it's back in full working order. I have to say Thank You Panasonic!!! - that is amazing customer service!!! I posted it on Monday and was only without the camera on Tuesday. I have emailed them to say thank you. I do love my shiny red camera! LOL

Also my little Christmas Tree has arrived but not unpacked it yet. When I've made space and put it up, I will take a photo of it. It's only 2 foot and it's gonna be hard finding the space!! Glad I didn't get a bigger one now!! Although I did have kittens when a parcel arrived yesterday from the Christmas tree firm and it was 6 inches square!!! My dad was laughing asking if it was my Christmas Tree!!! haha. But it was the Spare Bulb that I ordered sent out in a different package!!

Hope you are still with me.....

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

Cupcake Inspirations - Challenge 139 - 'Photo Inspiration' (ends 10th December 2011)

Dream Valley - Challenge 21 - 'Sparkle' (ends 10th December 2011)

Cupcake Craft - Challenge 171 - 'Create Your Own Backing Paper' (ends 11th December 2011)
Colour Create - Challenge 85 - 'Red, White and Green optional snowflakes' (ends 14th Dec 2011)
Bizzy Bec's Store Challenge - December - 'Christmas' (ends 3rd January 2011)

Can't wait for Strictly - judging by the rehearsals on It Takes Two - it should be a wonderful show!! Harry looked amazing in training! I think I will have Pizza night on Saturday: Pizza, BFG (Black Forest Gateaux) and Choccies - why not make a night of it eh !!! :-))

Thanks for visiting and for all your lovely comments!

Love n Hugs!

Sue xx

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

2011-12-06T16:46:00.003Z

I had to make some quick cards for Christmas and this is a design that I came up with. Unlike some Clean and Simple, cards this actually was easy to do. The image is 'Partridge Christmas Tree' from Pink Petticoat. The paper is 'Vintage Stars' also from PP.

It's a really easy image to colour, so you can do several at same time. I've used Promarkers Pear Green (very apt), Tan and Pastel Blue. When you add a little Star Dust Stickle it really blings it up and looks lovely. The ribbon is from stash and happened to be just the right shade! Sentiment is from Pink Petticoat. I think PP have saved my life this Christmas LOL. They are convenient, so easy to print off and I love them!!

I took the photos on my daughter's camera before she went away for weekend. Just got an email saying that the Repair Centre has received my camera and it has been passed on to the techies !!! I had to pay £5.20 to have it tracked, but it was part of the agreement. Really hope they can fix it - I love my red camera!!! and it's fab in low light.

I got my old camera out at weekend to try. It was one of the first digital cameras made. Let's just say that I hope I never have to post a card taken on that camera!!! LOL .... it's a huge brick!!! and after 2pm you can't even see the LCD Screen let alone take a photo. Such is the advances of technology.

Anyway, back to my card. I think this qualifies as Less is More? and it's definitely green! and it sparkles!! LOL .... so

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

Less is More - Challenge 44 - 'Green' (ends 9th December 2011)

Dream Valley - Challenge 21 - 'Sparkle' (ends 10th December 2011)

Hope you are all well and keeping warm!

Thanks for all your lovely comments!! and a warm welcome to my new followers!!

Big Hugs!

Sue xx

Snowflake Tilda

2011-12-05T15:05:00.000Z

After 'Snowball' Tilda, and the disaster with the green snow, I thought I would have another go with this gorgeous image 'Tilda with Fir'. I think the snow is an improvement on my last attempt!

The delish paper is My Mind's Eye 'Lost and Found Christmas' and was part of the Candy that I won in the Ladybug Crafts Ink Blog Hop. Sue also included this gorgeous gold ribbon and also some Tim Holtz Distress Ink 'Chipped Sapphire'. Thanks Sue! - it really was yummy candy.

You might be able to see better on this photo. I've distressed the edges and gone all round with gold stickle. So it's all sparkly in real life. Also there is Star Dust stickle on the tree to look like frosted snow, but doesn't show up!! The wooden snowflake and tree are from Handy Hippo. The snowflake has been dusted with 'Wild Honey'. Pearls are from Stash. Sentiment is a Peel Off stuck on some card.

I've cut Tilda out to create a 3D effect. The Distress Ink background is one that I did when I was laid up with bad back. I got some practice in ;-) It's Tim Holtz 'Wild Honey' and 'Chipped Sapphire'. I used Liquid Pearls - Silver to create the snow.

I have been SO busy this weekend! I had to parcel up my camera ready to send for repair. I used a whole roll of bubble wrap!! Just hope that they can actually find my camera in amongst all that plastic !!! Quite a bit of paperwork had to be scanned and sent.

My Christmas Tree fell to pieces last year as I was packing it away. It was a bit big and a pain to put up and decorate. So I've ordered a tiny little one - 2ft !!! Wanted a 3ft one but they all sold out in the ones that I liked. It's fibre optic - so hope it's a nice one!!

So poor Robbie did go in Strictly! He has done well, considering. I can't imagine who will go next week!! Holly and Jason were my favourites this week. Then Harry. I wasn't keen on Chelsee's Jive!!! and everybody shouts me down when I say it !!! LOL Alex has improved so much, thought she would be out weeks ago. But I think maybe she should go next? Oh I don't know - I might change my mind next week! I'm so fickle hee hee.

If you are still with me after waffling .....

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

Crafty Creations - Challenge 146 - 'Photo Inspiration' (ends 7th December 2011)
(inspired by the wood features)
Just Magnolia - 'Anything Goes with Option Sparkle' (ends 8th December 2011)
Totally Papercrafts- Challenge 95 - 'Let it Snow' (ends 9th December 2011)
One Stop - Challenge 160 - 'Let it Snow' (ends 9th December 2011)
Sweet Stampin - 'Snowmen, Snowflakes or Just Snow' (ends 9th December 2011)
By the Cute & Girly - 'Let it Snow' (ends 14th December 2011)

Hope you all had a great weekend!!
Love n Hugs!
Sue xx

Moving Along With The Times (DT Card) - Challenge 127 - 'Hazel's Sketch'

2011-12-01T10:00:00.001Z

Good morning! Hope you are all well! Where did the last seven days go?!!! We are into December today - so reality kicks in how close we are to Christmas!! It's also Thursday, so time for another Challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

This week the lovely Hazel is our hostess and she has designed this fab ....

'Sketch'

So we want to see what you can come up with following this fab layout. I think it's nice to do Sketches every now and again because it makes you try new things. Also there are so many fab ways that you can interpret them. So looking forward to seeing your entries ...

Here is my take on the sketch ....

The gorgeous image is from Pink Petticoat and is from a Set called Mini Rudolphs. I have enlarged one of the mini Rudolphs for a main image. The Sentiment came with the Set. Backing Paper is 'Sprinkled with Twinkles' also from Pink Petticoat.

Lots of Plum and Silver card. The silver is embossed with swiss dots. Pearls and Gems are from stash. Ribbon is Papermania. The little purple sleigh bells were freebie with magazine.

Silver flowers are from Dies to Die For and the tiny purple flowers are some that I've had for years in my stash. The silver flowers look more sparkly in real life!!

Colouring: Promarkers

Lilac, Lavender, Cool Greys 1, 2 and 3.

Star Dust Stickles

Think that's about it. I love all the Bling on this card and in real life it twinkles like crazy!! Hope you like it.

We are sponsored this week by Crafty Emma's Store.

Pop on over to MAWTT Website for more details of the challenge and to take a look at the rest of the team's creations - they are all fab! and don't forget to check whether you were a winner in last week's challenge!

Apologies for the little shadow on photograph. You can see it just beneath the Sentiment. My camera has developed a fault and there is a black spot on screen and on every photo when you upload it. It's small, but once you know it's there .... yikes, drives me mad!!! 'Out damn'd Spot' LOL

I phoned Insurance Co. about the fault and was left hanging on the line for 30 minutes listening to Chopin !! In the end they said it is still under Manufacturer's Warranty so now I have to post it back to Panasonic for repair.

I think it's gonna take some time to get it sorted .... meanwhile I can borrow my daughter's camera when she is home or else I will have to make do with old camera. I could do without it in run up to Christmas. But Hey Ho as they say - that's life ....

My back pain is a lot better now. Thanks for all your good wishes! it is more or less back to the normal pain level.

Not long to weekend and Strictly again!! I think it's time for Robbie to go next, bless him. He's not quite up to the standard of the others. I wonder which Celeb or Pro will be baring their chest this week?!!! LOL

Anyway, if you are still with me!!! back to my card and ...

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

Totally Gorjuss - Challenge 108 - 'Sparkle' (ends 2nd December 2011)
Ooh La La Creations - Challenge 94 - 'Lots of Sparkle' (ends 4th December 2011)
Craft your Passion - Challenge 86 - 'Tis The Season' (ends 4th December 2011)
Scrap Creations - 'Christmas' (ends 5th December 2011)
Fab'n Funky - Challenge 101 - 'Anything Goes' (ends 6th December 2011)
Dream Valley - Challenge 21 - 'Sparkle' (ends 10th December 2011)
Divas by Design - Challenge 16 - 'Anything Goes' (ends 12th December 2011)

Thanks for visiting and for all your lovely comments!
Love n Hugs!
Sue xx

December Will Be Magic Again!

2011-11-27T22:45:00.000Z

This is a card that I started ages ago and finished last week along with the 'Christmas Snooze' Card that I posted. Terrible trouble trying to photograph this one. It's the best of a Very Large Batch!!

This adorable image is from LOTV and is called 'Oh Christmas Tree' The gorgeous paper is Basic Grey - 'Jovial'. The Rose and Holly are from Wild Orchid Crafts. Black ribbon and bow are from stash.

I've cut a strip of black card with wavy scissors and edged it with Silver Glitter Pen. Christmas Tree Charm and pearls are from Bunny Zoes. The snow and fur trims are really sparkly in real life. The colouring is the same as on my 'Trimming the Tree' Card that I did in September. Just in case you thought you'd already seen this card LOL.

Colouring: Copics

R24, R29, G82, G85, E25, E53 S

Ultra Fine Glitter and Flock

The Sentiment was made on computer and is title of a Kate Bush song - 'December Will Be Magic Again'. Inside I've put some of the lyrics to the song. The paper inside is MAMBI.

I forgot to photograph the inside of the card and so just got my camera out. It has developed a black spot!! it comes out as a shadow in photos as you can see on top right of insert. At first thought cleaning lens would help. Used proper cleaning solution but didn't get rid of it. Now after Googling think it is problem with something inside. Apparently you can get dust inside or else problems with sensor, pixels etc. I'm not messing with it as I have Insurance so will have to phone them up tomorrow.

Arghhh could do without this right now. Still got pain with my back and tingling in my legs. Have started to get around a bit today but still need to keep lying flat inbetween.

But did some practice with my Ink Dusters yesterday!! Just sploshing colours all over card - what fun. I am determined to do more of that and also try heat embossing in New Year. I still have so many things to learn :-))

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

Stamps R Us - Bling it On (ends 27th November 2011)

Everybody Art - Challenge 169 - Christmas Card (ends 28th November 2011)

Papertake Weekly - Challenge 75 - Christmas Crackers (ends 28th November 2011)

Truly Scrumptious - Challenge 70 - Christmas Project with Pearls or Vintage (ends 29th Nov 2011)

Delightful Challenges - Red and Green (ends 30th November 2011)

Lili of the Valley - Challenge 122 - Anything Goes (ends 30th November 2011)
Paper Crafting Journey - Challenge 24 - Anything Goes (ends 30th November 2011)

Totally Papercrafts - Challenge 94 - Christmas (ends 1st December 2011)

Our Creative Corner - O Christmas Tree (ends 2nd December 2011)

Stamptacular Sunday - Challenge 140 - ANYTHING Christmas! (ends 3rd December 2011)

Craft Your Days Away - Challenge 34 - Buttons or Bows (ends 7th December 2011)

Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Challenge 18 - Anything Christmas with Pearls (ends 11th December 2011)

Pollycraft - Challenge 120 - Christmas Fun (ends 18th December 2011)

Well Strictly looked a-ma-zing!! on my new tv!! and the sound is so much better also. I really love it and looking forward to watching Christmas programmes on it !! I'm so glad Holly and Artem didn't get voted off tonight. I would like to see Holly in Final with Harry and Chelsee. But think there might be a shock vote off along the way!!

Thanks for all your lovely comments and good wishes!

Hope you are all well

Love n Hugs!

Sue xx

Woo Hoo The Old TV Combi has left the building !!!

2011-11-25T16:32:00.000Z

Woo Hoo - YAY !!!!

Can't resist sharing!! I am SO happy!! the old tv combi has finally gone !!!! I have been trying to get rid of the blooming thing since August. Nobody wanted it. We tried Charities of every sort and looked on places like Ebay but basically nobody wants a heavy old 4:3 even in full working order. Honestly the stress of trying to get rid of this ..... anyway, today we final paid somebody to take it away!!! and I don't care - money well spent LOL

Next job was putting up my brand New Widescreen and DVD Recorder that have been stuck in their boxes waiting to be installed since August!! I have actually nearly finished paying for the TV. Sorry I know you think I'm mad, but can't tell you how good it is to finally get this up and running.

The downside .... my mum and daughter moved all my stuff for me and then unpackaged and put tv and dvd up. But then I tried to tell my daughter and mum where the cables went but ... ended up plugging some in myself which meant a tiny wee bit of stretching. Well that's all it takes with my spine problems, and so I am totally kaput. My disc pain is mega bad and can't actually move. My co-ordination has gone so won't be able to craft for day or so at least (sob, sob). Anyway, at least while I am on bed rest I now have spanking new telly to watch LOL.

Telly is great anyway, fab picture and it all works ok. Just watching Vicar of Dibley and Ooh er ... Jim is doing the Full Monty routine. Not something you want to see in Widescreen HD ROFL....

Hope you all had a good day!

Hugs Sue xx

Moving Along With The Times (DT Card) - Challenge 126 - 'Ribbons & Bows'

2011-11-24T10:15:00.014Z

Well the weeks seem to be whizzing by and can you believe it's Thursday again already? So time for another Challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

This week the lovely Debs is our hostess and she has chosen the fab theme of .....

'Ribbons & Bows'

So we want to see Ribbons and Bows of some kind on your project. Remember it doesn't have to be a card, you can make whatever you wish as long as you follow the theme.

I wanted something really cute for my friend's 50th Birthday and found this Tigger on Pink Petticoat. Isn't he gorgeous? I just want to cuddle him with that chubby tum !!! LOL The gorgeous paper is from 'Once Upon a Time' DCWV Stack. Ribbons are from the Ready-Teddy-Go Prize that I won a while back. Sentiment was made on computer.

Colouring Medium Promarkers:-

Tigger and Flower: Tulip Yellow, Soft Peach, Peach, Honeycomb

Leaves: Meadow Green, Pear Green
Gold Stickles

I am quite pleased with how the colouring came out as the colours just seemed to all blend together really well on this one. I have no Yellow or Orange Copics yet and so returned to my beloved Promarkers. The background I created digitally on my computer before I printed out the digital image to colour.

I bought some Promarker Ultra Fine Nibs a while back and I LOVE them !!!!! there are a lot of darker Promarker shades that I love, such as Burnt Orange, Shale etc. but it really bugged me because I couldn't get into small areas without them bleeding over the lines. Well the new nibs are really good for doing very fine work such as hair etc. - they just clip on over top of your normal nib and you can easily switch back and forth. Just thought I'd say for anyone who hasn't tried them yet.

I have decorate inside with some paper that was freebie from Bearly Mine Designs. Just added the sentiment circle. And that's about it - it's quite a 'simple but sweet' card.

We are sponsored this week by The Pretty Little Ribbon Shop

and they are kindly offering this gorgeous prize .....

Don't forget to pop on over to MAWTT Website for more details of the challenge and to take a look at the rest of the team's creations - they are all SO pretty! and don't forget to check whether you are a winner!

I would like to enter my card into the following Challenges:-
Sweet Stampin - 'Birthday Theme' (ends 25th November 2011)

Paper Sundaes - Challenge 96 - 'Beautiful Bows' (ends 26th November 2011)

Craft your Passion - Challenge 85 - Photo Inspiration (ends 27th November 2011)

Incy Wincy Designs - Challenge 121 - Colour Theme Photo (ends 27th November 2011)

Fab'n Funky - Challenge 100 - Happy Birthday! (ends 29th November 2011)

I Love Promarkers - Challenge 93 - 'Anything Goes' (ends 29th November 2011)

Creative Craft Challenge - 'Free for All' (ends 5th December 2011)

Not long until the weekend and just before I go, would like to wish all of you who celebrate it - a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Hope you are all keeping well
Take Care
Love Sue xx

'Monochrome Silhouette' Christmas Card

2011-11-23T15:35:00.000Z

This is another minimalistic design that I came up with last night. I had so much trouble trying to find this gorgeous Memory Box 'Flowering Christmas Tree' Die - it was out of stock everywhere!! Finally read somewhere on a Forum when they were coming back in stock and so I was waiting there at midnight!!! Ordered it from Dies to Die For and the lovely Tracy sent it out to me straight away!! I am so pleased with it!!

The tree itself is so beautiful that you don't really need much else on the card. I've covered the tree in fine glitter and sparkles like crazy. Tried everything to capture it's sparkle but finally had to admit defeat!! Anyway, quite a simple design. Black Tudor Acetate from Handy Hippo over the white card blank. Then a piece of Sherbet Pips Flittered Card which has polka dots of glitter.

Then I've stuck the tree onto black card, leaving some of the leaves unglued to add dimension. Mounted this with 3d foam pads to give height and added a Sentiment from Pink Petticoat.

And that's it! Hope you like it!! I do struggle with CAS cards but I am starting to quite like them.

Reading the Less is More rules, I'm not sure now whether this has enough white space!?? Does the white under the acetate count? Oh dear!! maybe I haven't got the hang of them after all LOL!!! Apologies if it doesn't qualify!!

I would like to enter this card into the Following Challenges:-

Less is More - Challenge 42 - 'Silhouette' (ends 25th November 2011)

Sparkle Creations - Challenge 51 - 'Black and White' (ends 26th November 2011)

Quirky Crafts - Challenge 24 - 'Clean and Simple' (ends 26th November 2011)

Divas by Design - Challenge 15 - 'Monochromatic' (ends 29th November 2011)

Creative Card Crew - 'Monochromatic' (ends 5th December 2011)

Ah well, I think Winter is really here now. It feels cold today here in Manchester. Got my Snuggle over my legs because they are aching like mad. Going to get a cup of Cocoa now and a piece of Pecan and Maple Syrup Cake that my daughter has made. Mmmmm - it's delicious!!!

I am back tomorrow with my DT Card and using yet another colour combo that I've not used for a while. Ooh I will be getting Red and Green withdrawal LOL

Love and Hugs!

Sue xx

Christmas Snooze

2011-11-20T02:36:00.002Z

This is my Christmas card for my Dad! The really sweet image is called 'Christmas Snooze' and is from Lili of The Valley. I just love how it captures the 'after dinner' moment where you veg out with a book and fall asleep! and the little dog at his feet! so cute! Gorgeous paper is Basic Grey 'Jovial'.

Not sure why I do these things and make life hard for myself, but had a fancy to put ribbon around all the edges!! Fiddly but I quite like the effect. It's a card for a man and it has flowers on!!?? Well my dad likes plants etc. so I'm sure he won't mind some Poinsettias LOL. The red card across the middle I tried to make look corrugated by creasing on my Crafter's Companion Board, but not sure if it shows up. Ribbon is from stash and Green Merry Christmas Tag was a freebie with magazine.

I've put a snowflake from Handy Hippo in the middle of the flower. I blinged it up with some Kars Glitter mixed with a little White Flock. In real life it's all sparkly! Red gem from stash in centre.

Colouring:-

(Copics unless stated otherwise)

Skin: E00, E02

Reds: R24, R29

Greens: G82, G85

Browns: E25 and ? Oops can't remember

Greys: Cool Greys 1,2,3,4, Promarker

Diamond Stickles on Stars on Hat and Jumper

I've decorated the inside with 'Sprinkled with Twinkles' paper in Crimson from Pink Petticoat. I've added the words to one of my dad's favourite songs - The Christmas Song "Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire ... etc." On the right I've added Sentiment. The little piccies around the lyrics are from Pink Petticoats also and called Tiny Christmas Treasures.

I'm suddenly doing embellishments LOL!! Not usually big on them but must be going through a phase! And coming up next week I have a card that has no Red or Green on it !!!! Woo Hoo !!! well it has a little bit of green, but it's different!

I would like to enter this into the following Challenges:-

Incy Wincy Designs - Challenge 120 - 'Tic Tac Toe' (ends 20th November 2011)

(using Red, Sentiment, Ribbons)

Digi Doodle - Challenge 83 - 'Red and Green' (ends 23rd November 2011)

Lili of the Valley - Challenge 121 - 'A Christmas Card for Someone Special' (ends 23rd November 2011)

Hope you're all having a great weekend! I was disappointed in Strictly. Didn't think it worked at all in that big Venue. The sound was awful and the camera was swinging round and round and up and down and the flashing lights!!! Felt quite sick with migraine by the end of it LOL. Ah well, will be glad when they are back in the Studio next week! ;-)

Thanks for visiting and for all your lovely comments!

Love n Hugs!

Sue xx

Tilda with Fir Tree!

2011-11-19T18:12:00.000Z

This poor little card has been sat on the shelf for ages, waiting to be finished. I made a bit of a mess of the snow and fur trims. They looked startling white and I was going for vintage look, so tried to give them an off white shade. It didn't come out very well, tried to correct it and the snowflakes just kept getting bigger and bigger. I think somebody is actually throwing snowballs at poor Tilda!!!

Anyway, wasn't going to post it, but decided it has a childlike rustic charm about it !!! LOL

The gorgeous paper is from DCWV Once Upon a Time Stack. Jute Ribbon and large Prima Flower are from Bunny Zoe's. White Poinsettia's are from Wild Orchid Crafts and I've added Kars Brads as centres. Velvet ribbon from stash. Sorry I can't remember the colouring as I did the image ages ago!!!

Off to have my favourite Hawaiian Pizza for tea now and looking forward to Strictly Come Dancing at Wembley. Hope you all have a lovely evening!

I would like to enter this into the following Challenges:-

Magnolia Stamp Lovers - 'Christmas Tilda' (ends 19th November 2011)

Craft your Passion - Challenge 84 - 'Let it Snow' (ends 20th November 2011)

Just Magnolia - Challenge 133 - 'Ribbons' (ends 24th November 2011)

Simply Magnolia - 'Anything Goes' (ends 26th November 2011)

Magnolia-licious Highlites - 'Photo Inspiration' (ends 30th November 2011)

(Inspiration from Tree Photo)

Thanks for visiting and for all your lovely comments. I will catch up with you later!
Love Sue xx

Moving Along With The Times (DT Card) - Challenge 125 - 'Let it Snow'

2011-11-17T10:00:00.001Z

Happy Thursday! Hope you are all keeping well. Time for another Challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

This week the lovely Laurie is our hostess and she has chosen the fab theme of .....

'Let It Snow'

We are sponsored this week by Digi My World who have very kindly given us some gorgeous images to play with.

Also they are generously offering the winner a prize of a $10 Voucher to spend in their Store.

These two lovely images are from a set of six stamps called 'Winter Kids' and they are perfect for creating a lovely winter scene.

I flipped the 'boy with snowman' image to fit the scene and I have digitally coloured the blue-grey areas and added a texture. When I think back to my childhood in the Sixties, we seemed to have snow quite often back then, and we always had gorgeous fair isle jumpers and hats. So thought I would do some snowflake borders on the clothes digitally to try and replicate that. I've done some decoupage but it doesn't show up very well in the photos. I printed out three of each image and picked out bits to layer up. The border and bobble on hats and part of snowman/snowball.

I made the background paper and border so that it all matched. I've added some diamond stickles glitter to the snow on sky background but again it doesn't show up in photos! The Sentiment is from Pink Petticoat. I tried adding more bellies but didn't likey. I think the images kinda hold their own on this one.

Colouring:-

(Copics)

Skin: E00, E02

Greens: G82, G85

Reds: R42, R49 and Spectrum Noir No. 1

Browns: E24, E53
Snowman/Snowball: Spectrum Noir 'Cool Shadow'

I always remember one Winter's day in the 60s when it snowed heavily. By the time I got home from Primary School it was dark. My brother had built a 'state of the art' sledge which was amazing and I begged him to let me have a go on it. My brother pulled me on the sledge around the roads where we lived and I felt like I was in Austria. it was really magical, freshly falling snow and all glistening in the lamplight. Then back indoors and chill blains!! Ooh didn't it hurt when your feet started to warm up !!! even though I had two pairs of socks and wellies!! LOL

Hope all this talk of SNOW has put you in the mood to make a Winter Wonderland of a card for the Challenge. Really looking forward to seeing all your gorgeous creations!

Don't forget to pop on over to MAWTT Website for more details of the challenge and to take a look at the rest of the team's creations - they are all awesome!!

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

Craft your Passion - Challenge 84 - 'Let it Snow' (ends 20th November 2011)
Cupcake Craft - Challenge 168 - 'Two's Company' (ends 20th November 2011)
Fab'n Funky - Challenge 99 - 'Baby it's Cold Outside' (ends 22nd November 2011)
Crafts & Me - Challenge 61 - 'Simples' (ends 22nd November 2011)

Thanks for visiting and for all your lovely comments!

Hugs Sue xx

Minimalistic

2011-11-16T04:15:00.000Z

As I was on a roll this weekend, I made a batch of CAS Christmas Cards for my daughter. She wanted Elegant and no images on the front?? Well, took a while to process whether it was actually possible to make a card without an image LOL!!! Suddenly remembered my Tudor acetate and thought about putting it on half the card. She wanted ribbon so thought the half and half design might work. This is one of the designs that I came up with. I did three similar designs, two in dark green. She is pleased with them anyway.

I have to say though, the photograph is absolute Pants!!! It looks crooked and I assure you it isn't !!! I had terrible trouble with the light. And if you put light on it or use Flash, then you get reflection on the Acetate and makes the edges look yukky. It has been so dull these last few days, that I did have to use some form of lighting. Not sure what lighting I ended up using on this particular shot as I had tried everything by the end of the session!!! A lamp, Top Light, Flash, Daylight Torch - you name it I tried it, so this was best of a bad lot. It looks better in real life !!!!! Honestly !!! LOL

Gold Acetate and Ribbon are both from Handy Hippo. The sentiment was done on computer. I put the cards through the printer first to print Sentiment on inside. Forgot to photograph that! I think I'd had enough with trying to photograph the front!

Last night went round to a friend's house and she cooked us a lovely curry dinner!!! Fruit cake for desserts and lots and lots of choccies. Think I put on a few pounds cos I positively waddled out of the car when she dropped me off back home - I was stuffed fit to burst but did enjoy it!!

Can't believe it is Wednesday again! the weeks are whizzing by what with trying to get ready for Christmas. Suddenly realised on 13th November that I better get a move on with Shopping!! I can't get out and about and so all of my shopping is done through Amazon, etc !!!!! Our postie is gonna be so sick of the sight of those boxes !!! hee hee. Seriously though, I don't know how I would manage without online shopping!!

Okay, enough waffle.....

back to my card.

I would like to enter this into the following Challenge:-

Creative Craft Challenge - 'Minimalistic' (ends 21st November 2011)

Thanks for visiting my blog and for all your lovely comments!! and a big Welcome to my New Followers!
Take Care
Hugs Sue xx

Craft Barn Blog Candy!!!

2011-11-14T14:46:00.001Z

Wowzer! Look at this Blog Candy!

Craft Barn are having a Candy Draw to celebrate 600 Followers.

and Wow what a prize!!

over £200 of Crafting Goodies!!!

Click on the Picture below for all the details and maybe you could be lucky winner of this fab prize!! You have until 25th November to enter!

Hope you are all keeping well and managing to avoid those nasty colds, flu etc! and if you are ill, then stay warm and rest and hope you are feeling better very soon!!!

Big Hugs!

Sue xx

Moving Along With The Times (DT Card) - Challenge 124 - 'Once Upon A Fairy Tale'

2011-11-10T10:00:00.001Z

I can't believe it is Thursday again so soon! and time for another challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

The lovely Hazel is our hostess this week and has chosen the fab theme of ….

'Once Upon a Fairy Tale'

So we want to see Fairy Tale people on your cards…. Cinderella, Fairy Princesses, Red Riding Hood, Dragons etc.

My favourite Fairy Tale has always been Cinderella because she never gives up hope, no matter how bad things get, and carries on believing that one day her Prince will Come… and of course he does and it's a happy ending! Sounds cheesy, and I know life ain't like that LOL !!! but I love the story.

I googled Cinderella and found this gorgeous stamp by Spesch Designer Stamps. I absolutely love this image and think it sums up the whole story. Notice she has the glass slipper on the end of her broom!! So she is just waiting for her Prince Charming to come along with the other shoe - awww!!

Colouring:-
Copics

Skin: E00, E02

Browns: E53,E25

Broom: E57, Y11
Eyes: Spectrum Noir - Cool Shadow

I tried a few different colourings but decided to go with the monochromatic colouring and focus on browns. And of course try and make the glass slipper sparkle like magic!

I've used my favourite shade of 'Coffee' Brown Card and put a sheet of my new Tudor Acetate Gold paper over the top. It's a first for me as I've never used acetate before!!! I had a mini panic attack over how to glue/fix it to card without it showing. So Googled some Tips and somebody suggested putting glue on back of patterned areas!! Now why didn't I think of that? LOL seems so obvious in hindsight.

The gorgeous flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts. I think I need to go to Flower Arranging Classes though, because I faffed about with different flowers for about 2 hours!!! (I kid you not!!) and it's become a bit of a mental block. In the end I just plonked them on any old how because I was so tired!!! ROFL

I've also decorated the inside of the card with digi paper from Pink Petticoat called 'Sprinkled with Twinkles.' I've added my own Sentiment on computer.

And that's about it. It's quite a girlie card - for me! .... LOL - so hope you like it!

We are sponsored this week by

Crimson Cloud

Crimson Cloud is a mother/daughter venture - a way to indulge our joint passion of cardmaking and crafting. We only sell products that we have tried, tested and love using. We have developed our own exclusive range of dies cuts, digital stamps, svg files and "Make Your Own Card" kits which reflect our styles of card making - and hopefully yours too!

..... and they are offering a very generous prize of 3 packs of Die Cuts from the store (Winners choice)

Wow! how cool is that!!

Don't forget to pop on over to MAWTT Website for more details of the challenge and to see all the fabulous creations my teamies have made!!

I have to confess that I have never been that keen on fairy tales, but really enjoyed making this card, and would like to do another one soon. I do love Disney's Beauty and the Beast and hey, it's not too scary!!! I've always been terrified of Hansel & Gretel, ever since i went to see a play of it as a child. They had a witch that flew across the theatre and boy was she ugly !!! She tried to shove those children into the oven like she was baking a batch of muffins!!! Also they had a Sandman in it. He was SO creepy!! Green all over and quite sinister. He used to appear in the middle of the night and when you heard him doing his little shuffle in the sand you knew that he was coming for you!!! I couldn't sleep for about three nights and I was about ten years old too!!! LOL - such a sensitive child !!! hee hee. Ten years later I went to see the film 'The Entity' - and couldn't sleep for about a month!!!

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

Dream Valley - Challenge 19 - 'Anything Goes' (ends 12th November 2011)

Craft your Passion - Challenge 83 - 'Anything Goes + Brown' (ends 13th November 2011)

Tuesday Throwdown - Challenge 74 - 'Favourite Colour Combo' (ends 14th November 2011)

Hope everyone is having a good week - not long until weekend now!

Love n Hugs!

Sue xx

Mr and Mrs Teddy Bear

2011-11-09T02:06:00.000Z

Hi all, Sorry I don't seem to have posted much lately. I'm going through another 'tired' phase. I wish I was a hedgehog and could hibernate for the Winter, then just wake up when it's Spring again!!! LOL Anyway, as Ladybug Crafts Ink have a Love and Marriage Theme, I thought I would enter this card. They also have a Blog Hop with lots of fab prizes to celebrate their First Anniversary!

The Happy Couple are 'Mr and Mrs Teddy Bear' from Wee Stamps. Paper is Wild Rose Studio 'In Love with Japan' stack. Sentiment was made on computer and ribbon and pearls are from stash. Sorry about the grainy photos - just can't get the light right!

Colouring:-

Bears: Cool Greys 1, 2, 3, 4 and Blossom Pink Promarkers

Leaves: Copics G82, G85

Roses: Blossom Pink and Rose Pink Promarkers

Sky: Bahama Blue Memento Ink

Dress: Star Dust Stickles

Suit: Paper-pieced from DCWV Latte Stack

I made a mask so that I could do sky background through the door opening. Then used a cloud shape mask and dusted with 'Bahama Blue' Memento Ink. I've paper-pieced his hat and tie using DCWV Latte paper.

Ah well, gonna get some sleep now!! I had to check on my mum as she has her allergy, bless her. She gets reaction quite often where her face or tongue swell up badly. I like to see that the steroids have kicked in before I leave her.

Hope you all enjoyed Downton Abbey on Sunday! and if like me you are already suffering from Downton Withdrawal - The good news is that there is a Christmas Special - Yay! Really enjoyed Strictly again, but poor Artem is injured! I'm gutted! hope with rest he can get back to form in few weeks maybe?

Back to card ....

I would like to enter this card into the following Challenges:

CES - Challenge 60 - 'Entertain Us! - Song or Film' (ends 11th November 2011)

Inspired by the Song - "Love and marriage, Love and marriage, Go together like a horse and carriage" (altogether now - sing with gusto) LOL

Ladybug Crafts Ink - 'Love and Marriage and/or Anything Goes' (ends 14th November 2011)

Sentimental Sunday - Challenge 80 - 'Wedding/Anniversary (ends 14th November 2011)

Hope you are all keeping well!
See you soon :-)
Hugs Sue xx

Moving Along With The Times (DT Card) - Challenge 123 - Food and Drink

2011-11-03T10:00:00.001Z

Hi all, hope you are all well this Thursday morning! It's time for another Challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

Pami is our lovely hostess this week and she has chosen the fab theme of ...

'Food and Drink'

My take on this theme is a chuckle at how we all go overboard and stuff ourselves silly during the Festive Season !!!! LOL Do you remember that gorgeous Pixie on my 'Autumn Leaves' Card. Well these are some other free digital stamps by the same artist David Parkins. They are called Fat Cat Fred Christmas Stamps. Click on my link and you can download them for free! They are SO cool !! The Sentiment came with the set also. I just love these cats!

The gorgeous paper was a freebie with magazine too. It's Nitwits and it has a lovely suede appearance to it which I love. I have used same layout that I seem to always use of late, with strip of card across, mainly because I wanted one of the cats to sit on top of it !! Some silvery ribbon from stash. The snowflake is a wooden one and I've covered it in Silver Stickles to tone with the ribbon. You can get the lovely wooden snowflakes from Handy Hippo. The stickled snowflake is lovely and glittery as is the pudding but can't capture it with the light. It was so hard to photograph this card!

The pudding sauce is a bit of a 'whiteout' I'm afraid. I used Souffle Whitener pen and then Kars glitter on top and it looks nice in real life but does not photograph well at all !!! I've added Star Dust Stickle to the glass of bubbly. I don't think my cutting out is very good which is reason why I don't do it very often!! I made this card as Christmas Card for a Male? Do you think it's masculine enough?

Colouring:-

Cats: Promarkers Cool Greys 1, 2 & 3 and Blossom Pink, Rose Pink

Hat: Copic R24, R29

Pudding: Spectrum Noir 100 and Copics E25, E57

Sauce: White Souffle Pen, Kars Ultra Fine Glitter

Holly: Copics G82, G85

Berries: R24, R29

We are sponsored this week by Chocolate Baroque who are kindly offering a fab prize!! The winner will be able to choose any single A5 Stamp Set from this Department. I have to say that they look gorgeous and wish I could enter myself !!!

Don't forget to hop on over to MAWTT Website for more details of the Challenge and to see the rest of the Design Team's gorgeous creations!

Thanks for all your lovely comments on my last post. Hope you all enjoyed the Strictly Halloween Special. I really enjoyed it. Harry and Holly were my favourites last week. I hope to catch up on some commenting in next couple of days. I feel a bit fluey this week. I am fine but just feel achy and tired!! So I'm going to try and get more sleep!!! ;-)

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

Sweet Stampin - 'Anything Goes' (ends 4th November 2011)

Pollycraft - Challenge 117 - 'Anything Goes' (ends 6th November 2011)

Papertake Weekly - 'Anything Goes (Plus a Bit of Bling if You Want :-)' (ends 7th November 2011)

Creative Inspirations - Challenge 136 - 'Lashings of Sparkle' (ends 8th November 2011)

Dream Valley - Challenge 19 - 'Anything Goes' (ends 12th November 2011)

Stamps R Us - 'Masculine Theme' (ends 13th November 2011)

Not long until the Weekend now!

Hope you are all well

Love n Hugs!

Sue xx

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-28T14:45:00.001+01:00

Hi all, it's a beautiful sunny day and blue skies here in Manchester and it's nice to feel the warm sun - hope it is sunny for you too !!! This is a card that I made just for fun! Lots of sparkle and glitter!

The image is from Bugaboo Stamps and is called Stella - Wicked Witch. I love Stella, just looking at her makes me chuckle. I can just imagine her saying "Happy Halloween" in a very deep, droll voice! hee hee! I also think she has a look of Lily Savage about her - which is fab! The paper was a freebie from Bearly Mine Designs. As soon as I saw this paper, I knew that I had to make a card with it - it prints out beautifully too.

Sentiment was made on computer. Heart Gems are from Stash. The spiders were made with Gems and pieces of glitter string. Now the moon and stars sparkle really beautifully but could I catch it on a photo? No, of course not!!! Well I did, but then the image was completely out of focus!!

Colouring:

Skin: E00, E02

Black: Promarker Cool Grey 5 and Black

Purple: Copics V12 & V15

Moon & Stars: Cool Grey 1 & 3

Kars Glitter

I would like to wish you all a Happy Weekend! and if you are celebrating Halloween - then hope you have lots of fun !!!

Halloween was always lots of fun when my brother and I were growing up. We never did Trick or Treating, but had our own little party at home. Mum always bought us a Swede each and we would carve it out. Well, usually I would do a bit and then I was too weak to carry on, so either my brother or mum would finish hollowing it out LOL. Then we would put candles in and attach string handles. We would have Sparklers in the garden and take photos of our lanterns.

Me in 60's - Halloween (sorry my head's chopped off!!)

Then back inside for food and games. We would have Baked Potatoes, Soup and then Ginger Cake and Candy Coated Apples. We would play Bobbing For Apples and sometimes have conker fights which I loved!!! Mum would always let me cheat and soak it in vinegar !! LOL Ah Happy Days! It's good to look back sometimes!

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

For the Paper Sundaes Challenge, I have used the Toppings of Black and Sparkle.

Allsorts - Challenge 126 - 'Halloween' (ends 28th October 2011)
Sweet Stampin - 'Halloween' (ends 28th October 2011)
Dream Valley - Challenge 18 - 'Halloween' (ends 29th October 2011)
Paper Sundaes - Challenge 92 - 'Black, Sparkle, Flowers, Distressing' (ends 29th October 2011)
Pollycraft - Challenge 116 - 'Spooky Goings On' (ends 30th October 2011)
Scrap Creations - 'Doing it Digi' (ends 31st October 2011)
Top Tip Tuesday - Challenge 57 - 'Trick or Treat' (ends 31st October 2011)
Digi Doodle - Challenge 80 - 'Anything Goes' (ends 2nd November 2011)
PaperPlay - Challenge 43 - 'Halloween/Witches!' (ends 2nd November 2011)
Stampin' For The Weekend Challenge 19 - 'Spooky' (ends 3rd November 2011)
Paper Crafting Journey - Challenge 22 - 'Use a Digi' (ends 9th November 2011)

BTW - If you happen to buy the current copy of Papercraft Essentials, then keep a sharp eye out for my card on page 75. There is a Stitchy Bear Advert and my Steampunk Sally Card is amongst the examples. Remember I won the 'Pretty in Print' Contest a couple of months back. Now the photo of my card is not very big (2.5cm) and my poor dad had to put his special reading glasses on and an extra lamp to see it - but he was really chuffed when he recognised it from the card I showed him couple of months back, bless him!!! Also, there is a free gift of some rather nice Polka Doodles Stamps with the mag! ;-)

Have a great weekend!

Thank you SO much for all your comments, I really do appreciate them!! :-)

Love n Hugs

Sue xx

Moving Along With The Times (DT Card) - Challenge 122 - No Girls Allowed!!

2011-10-27T10:00:00.003+01:00

Morning all, hope you are all well this Thursday morning. It's time for another Challenge over at

Moving Along With The Times

Shell is our lovely hostess this week and she has chosen the theme of ....

No Girls Allowed!!

So we want to see a card for a bloke! There are so many wonderful images available now that can be used on male cards. I've used this fab image called 'Born to Rock' by Stitchy Bear Stamps. Isn't it gorgeous? Stitchy Bear very kindly gave us some Images and a Digital Paper Pack called Doodleboys to use and I have to say I love these papers - they are perfect for male card.

I mounted the papers on dark brown card and coloured in the image with Copics and Promarkers. Finally I added some small gold pearls. Quite a simple card, but I love it. Hope you like it too!

I have highlighted the 'Born to Rock' sign with Lime Green Glitter Pen, so it glistens like it is lit up. Looks good in real life but hard to photograph.

We are sponsored this week by Stitchy Bear Stamps who are kindly offering a fab prize of $10 Voucher to spend instore. How cool is that !!

Don't forget to hop on over to MAWTT Website for more details of the Challenge and to see the rest of the Design Team's gorgeous creations!

I am enjoying being on the Design Team. I love the Challenges and also Commenting as I get to visit all your blogs and see so many gorgeous creations.

Sorry if I have been a bit quiet of late. Truth is that I am still adjusting to the colder weather. October is always a shock to my system and my pain levels (arthritis) go through the roof. Every year I think the pain can't get any worse!! so I don't know why I'm always so surprised when it does!! Anyway, it's just a matter of coping strategies and keeping warm etc. etc. I think I am going to get the TENS machine out and my Heat Pad.

Anyway, enough dwelling on my aches and pains, I know a lot of people out there also have them !! That is why I do crafting, it focuses the mind and lifts my mood. So you will probably see lots of glitter coming up on my cards LOL.

I can't wait until Saturday, it's the Halloween Special of Strictly. I just love all the sparkle and razzle dazzle - really cheers me up.

Scrap Creations have a Challenge this week called 'Doing it Digi' and they want you to use digi images and digi paper. Also, if you leave a comment and mention your Top 3 Digi Companies, one lucky winner will be drawn at random and receive $10 Voucher to spend at their No. 1 Favourite Digi Company. How cool is that !!! So as I have used digi image and digi paper ......

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

Scrap Creations 'Doing it Digi' (ends 31st October 2011)

Hope you are all well!

Not long until Weekend!

Hugs Sue xx

Moonlight Pumpkins!

2011-10-20T23:56:00.005+01:00

Hi all, this is my second post today. Please scroll down for my MAWTT Post. I started this card weeks ago!! So thought I'd better finish it off before Autumn and Halloween are actually over!! I've used the image 'Moonlight Pumpkins' and digitally arranged it onto some fab paper from a Set called 'A Dark and Scary Night' - and both are from Stitchy Bear Stamps. I flipped the moon background and lightened it a little as I wanted the moon to look white rather than yellow.

The image is coloured with Copics and Prismacolor Pencils for dark shading. Lots of Stickles on inside of pumpkins to look like they are lit up, and on candle flame and top of her dress. None of the sparkles really show up though unfortunately. Had trouble with light while photographing. I've added some red gems and silver pearls to make a tiara. Not sure why but the red gems look orange! Trick of the Light!

I really would have liked to add some Halloween embellishements. Maybe a spider or a witch charm but haven't got any in my stash. The Red Roses are from Wild Orchid Crafts and I've added some black leaves that Laurie very kindly gave me (thank you teamie!). I quite liked the look but then realised you wouldn't get roses in late October? or would you?.... oh well, Halloween is a magical night so I am giving her some Red Roses LOL.

Every time I pick up this card I start singing Phantom of The Opera. Not sure why? She does look a bit like a young Sarah Brightman, so maybe that is why? hee hee.

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

Fussy & Fancy - 'Fall or Halloween' (ends 20th October 2011)

Challenge up your life - Challenge 54 - 'Halloween' (ends 21st October 2011)

One Stop - Challenge 153 - 'Halloween' (ends 21st October 2011)

Cupcake Inspirations - Challenge 132 - 'Halloween' (ends 22nd October 2011)

Paper Sundaes - Challenge 91 - 'Halloween or Fall' (ends 22nd October 2011)

Creative Card Crew - 'Spooky Fun' (ends 24th October 2011)

Papertake Weekly - Challenge 70 - 'Spooooky Hues' (ends 24th October 2011)
PaperPlay - Challenge 42 - 'Use Black' (ends 26th October 2011)

Craft Your Days Away - Challenge 31 - 'Halloween Colours' (ends 27th October 2011)

Dream Valley - Challenge 18 - 'Halloween' (ends 29th October 2011)

Creative Stamp Friends - Challenge 36 - 'Halloween' (ends 30th October 2011)

Divas by Design - Challenge 13 - 'Something Spooky' (ends 1st November 2011)

Not long until weekend! and then Strictly, Yay! Oh and Downton Abbey. What have they done to my poor Matthew! But he is alive at least. I will nurse him better!! ;-))

Thank you for all your lovely comments!
Hope you are all well
Hugs Sue xx

Moving Along With The Times (DT Card) - Challenge 121 - Vintage

2011-10-20T10:00:00.005+01:00

Morning everyone! Hope everyone is well this Thursday morning! Today is my first DT Card for

Moving Along With The Times!!

Val is our hostess this week and she has chosen the fabulous theme of

VINTAGE

I love using old photographs for vintage cards and so I had a look on the internet and found this gorgeous image at Karen's Whimsy. I thought it was perfect for an old-fashioned Christmas Card.

The Paper is Cosmo Cricket 'Mitten Weather' and Flower, Holly and Berries are from Wild Orchid Crafts. It's the first time I've used the berries and have to say they look gorgeous !!!

Sentiment is from Pink Petticoat. Little flower and pearl are from stash. It's quite a simple card, but with the photo and the flowers, I don't think it needs many bellies. So resisted filling every corner! Why do I find that so hard!

Wild Orchid Challenge this week has the theme 'Christmas Fun' and I think this couple look like they are having fun? Well the lady does !!! ;-))

Anyway, I hope you like my card and do pop over to MAWTT website for more details of the Challenge and to see the rest of the DT's wonderful projects!

We are sponsored this week by Crafty Emma's Store who are kindly offering a fab prize of a £10.00 Voucher to spend in store (not including p & p)

Thank you for looking, and for all your lovely comments! They mean so much to me!!

I would like to enter the following Challenges:-

Wild Orchid - Challenge 34 - 'Christmas Fun' (ends 23rd October 2011)

ABC Christmas Challenge - U is for Unused Stash (new Berries from WOC) (ends 25th October 2011)

Hope you are all well and having a good week!
Big Hugs!
Sue xx

Teddy Bo Goes Golfing - and Some Exciting News!

2011-10-14T21:22:00.000+01:00

A friend asked me to make a card for her dad's 80th birthday. I couldn't resist using my favourite bear of all - Teddy Bo. Teddy Bo Challenge has a challenge 'My Favourite Colours'. Now I like a lot of different colour combos but I think anyone who looks back at my cards will know that I use a LOT of Green and Browns!!! so I think this really is my favourite colour combination!

The paper is from a Die Cuts With a View Stack called Latte. I think some of these papers are quite retro and I love them!

Sentiment was made on computer. Ribbon from stash. Image background dusted with Memento Bamboo Leaves Ink.

Colouring:-

Teddy Bo: Blush and Tan Promarkers

Golfing Bag: Tan and Cinnamon Promarkers

Teddy Bo Clothes: G82 and G85 Copic

Golf Clubs & Socks: Cool Grey 3, 4 and 5 Promarkers

Shading with Prismacolor Pencils

Now for my exciting news!!! Hazel from Moving Along With The Times contacted me and asked me to join their Design Team!! Woo Hoo!! (Trumpet Fanfare!) I hope I can do the team justice! it's my very first Design Team proper, so a bit nervous. But it is very Cool !!!!

Thursday was such a lovely day for me! I felt like all my Christmases had come at once! First I got a lovely surprise card from Teresa to say Thank You for the blog candy. It's a beautiful card! It sparkles and is gorgeous - I love it!!! So Thank You Teresa!!!

Then my order from Handy Hippo arrived. I had a wee bit of spending money this month and so ordered some wooden snowflakes and trees and they are gorgeous. You can't always tell when you look at them online, but they look fab. Finally Hazel asked me to be on the Design Team! So lovely day all told!

Back to my card .....

I would like to enter this into the following Challenge:-

Teddy Bo Challenge - Challenge 19 - 'My Favourite Colours' (ends 16th October 2011)

Hope you are all well!
And hope you are enjoying Strictly and It Takes Two as much as I am, and the X Factor!
Love n Hugs!
Sue xx

Autumn Leaves

2011-10-11T16:57:00.009+01:00

I love the colours of Autumn and as it's my mum's birthday next month, thought I would make a cute card for my dad to give her. The gorgeous image is from a set called 'Autumn Antics' by David Parkins. They were a free set of digi images with Simply Cards mag few years ago. The other images are all so cute too - I found it difficult choosing which one to use. So it does pay to sort through those mags ;-)) as you find little treasures like this.

The paper is also freebie with Quick Cards - Issue 91. If you register you can download them and they are gorgeous. I am going through a glitter phase at the moment, probably because it's so dull and miserable outside! I've used a load of Ultra Fine Glitter - Chocolate Brown on edges of card.

The delish ribbon and gems were part of my fab prize from Ready-Teddy-Go Challenge. Thanks girls! Sentiment was made on computer.

Colouring is a mixture of Copics and Spectrums. G82, G85 Green Copics. E00, E02 for skin. I can't remember the browns I used! and I only coloured it yesterday!! I think it was E57 Copic mixed with one of the lighter golden Spectrums. I got so excited mixing them together that I forgot to make a note LOL

I also decorated the inside to match.

I would like to apologise if any of you visited my Blog on Sunday and noticed a lot of my photos were missing!!! Stupid me only went and deleted my photos from the Picasa Album!! I did do it after going to the pub on Saturday. It was the beer festival and I had a couple of strong beers! Don't even remember how I got onto the Picasa Album page!!! LOL but I remember thinking - oh those look like all the photos off my webpage!! Oops! It took me most of Sunday to replace the important ones. Was really fed up! Anyway, now you know why I don't drink alcohol very often !!!! hee hee.

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

Crafts & Me - Challenge 55 - 'Use a Digi' (ends 11th October 2011)

Simon Says - 'Sparkle and Bling' (ends 11th October 2011)

Moving Along with the Times - Challenge 119 - 'Autumn Leaves' (ends 12th October 2011)

PaperPlay - Challenge 40 - 'Autumnal Colours' (ends 12th October 2011)

Paper Sundaes - Challenge 90 - 'Favourite Colour Combination' (AUTUMN COLOURS) (ends 15th October 2011)

Creative Stamp Friends - Challenge 35 - 'Autumn Colours' (ends 16th October 2011)

Stamps R Us - 'Autumn/Fall' (ends 16th October 2011)

Stampin' For the Weekend - Challenge 18 - 'Colours of Autumn' (ends 19th October 2011)

Hope you are all well and have a great week!

Hugs Sue xx

Totally Tropical Tilda

2011-10-05T01:04:00.025+01:00

The heatwave put me in the mood for making a Tropical Card. I won Hawaii Tilda stamp a few weeks ago in Bev's draw. Thank you Bev! and thank you Simon Says Stamp. When it came in the post, it was inked up within a couple of hours. That's a first for me!! Isn't she gorgeous?!!

The paper is from a Kate Knight Totally Tropical Stack which was freebie with magazine. I have used about half a bottle of Gold Stickle!! I've had this bottle for about 13 months and never used it !!! But thought it would look gorgeous with the orange and I wanted the card to really sparkle like the sun!!! :-)) The orange border across middle was done by cutting strips of card with wavy scissors, stickling the edges and gluing them together.

Flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I've sprayed the Gardenias with touch of Pearl Glimmer Mist.

The gorgeous charm was a birthday gift from my daughter back in March. It's an unusual colour combo but when I put this card together I thought it would be perfect as it's orange and pink.

The colouring I can't remember as I coloured the image weeks ago! but used Copics and Promarkers. I've dusted around the image with Bahama Blue Memento Ink.

For the 'Happy *World* Card Making Day' Challenge over at Our Creative Corner, I chose Hawaii, because it's a country that gives inspiration in so many ways:- Colourful, Friendly, Exotic, Flowers, Bright, Cheerful, Sun, Sea, Sand .... you get the picture (sigh). I have never been - but would love to!!

Also decorated the inside with paper from the same stack.

Having trouble photographing with the dull light. Just couldn't get it right today! I also really hope that I can get it right and enter this card correctly this time!!! as I've messed up with two cards on the run and entered too many challenges! The worrying thing is that I did read the rules!!! just my brain didn't absorb them!!! must be tired or the heat! glad it's gone a bit cooler - I can't take it now I'm an old woman!! :-))

Oh I nearly forgot! Remember the 'Iced Buns' from my last post. Suddenly remembered this really weird story in the newspaper back in February!! This might make you smile :-) Iced Bun

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

Stampin' For the Weekend - Challenge 17 - 'What a Cutie' (ends 6th October 2011)

Our Creative Corner - 'Happy *World* Card Making Day!' Country: Hawaii!!! (ends 7th October 2011)

Paper Sundaes - Challenge 89 - 'Lots of Layers' (ends 8th October 2011)

The Paperlane Challenge - 'Glitz & Sparkle' (ends 28th October 2011)

Take care!

Hope you all have a good week!

Love n Hugs

Sue xxx