Just Magnolia Challenge Week 7 - Animals and Insects

Todays card has to contain animals and insects, I have actually used both, so hopefully it will correct for the challenge here.

I have stamped Tilda on her horse and the large tree stamp onto white card and coloured it with my Karisma pencils. Because of the size of her I was unable to use any of my Nestabilitie dies, so I have cut her out with my rotatrim instead. I have then layered her up on some Salmon coloured Pearlescent card.

The base card is a 8"x 8" white card, and onto this I have layered up a piece of the same coloured pearlescent card with one of the beautiful paper designs from the Bearly Mind Extreme Designs from Donna, they are the most useful and gorgeous papers Ive ever used.

On top of this I have stuck a hemp ribbon across the middle of the card, and stuck it to the back before sticking it to the base card. On to this I have stuck my stamped image towards the top right hand side of the card, then I have stamped a greeting with one of my Just-Rite stamps, you can find them here, several people have asked where I bought them so I thought it would be nice to add a link to my blog, I have mounted this onto the same coloured pearlescent card and with a Pinking Nestabilitie die have cut out a mount then layered it up with foam and attached it to the card on the bottom left hand side. I have also diamond glazed the butterfly on the greeting.

The finish of the card I have made up two flowers from Prima Hydrangea Petals, and stuck a pearl brad through the middle with a silver spacer and have hung a butterfly charm from the bottom flower.

Thoughtful Sprinkles - Cute Card Thursday Challenge

Todays card has been created with another of Janet Roberts new Pink Gem stamps, this one is called Thoughtful Sprinkles, I have also used some of my lovely blogcandy that I won from Jacqui, I do so hope she likes what Ive done with it.

I have stamped the image onto white card and coloured it with my Faber-Castell pencils, then cut if out with my Octagon Nestabilitie die, then cut another out of pink card with the Scalloped one, then I have mounted the two together with a piece of foam.

The base card is a 8"x 8" size card, onto this I have layered up a piece of pink pearlescent card with one of the beautiful papers from the Bearly Mine Design Cds, this one is a lovely pink paper with stars on, on top of this Ive layered up another pink card layer but this one is slightly darker and used another of the papers this one a very pretty check design. I have then wrapped a piece of the gorgeous ribbon that Jacqui gave me, its so pretty with a multitude of colours all over it.

I then cut out three stars with my star Nestabilitie die, two from glitter card pink and purple, and one from pink embossed card, these were then arranged in a half circle, then the mounted stamped image was stuck over the centre of them. I have stuck a ribbon greeting strip across the bottom.

I have also used the paper flowers that Jacqui gave me, and with my ball tool I shaped the petals then used some stickles glitter glue around the edges of them, with a jewelled brad in the centre and a crown charm (this was another piece of my candy) hung it from the bottom flower. I then punched out some leaves and with some silicone glue stuck them onto the card, with the flowers on top. To finish of the card I have stuck some star gems around the edges.

Claudia has suggested I submit this for the Cute Card Thursday Challenge, so I have.

Mimi and her Icecream

Todays card has been created from one of Janet Roberts new Pink Gem stamps http://www.pinkgemdesigns.com/ , this one has been designed from one of Janets gorgeous photos of her beautiful granddaughter, I do so hope she likes what Ive done with it, and I hope you do to.

Ive stamped the image onto white card and coloured it with my Faber-Castell pencils and then because I couldnt find a die big enough to cut her out, I decided to use the spotted frame and cut and put the image behind it. The frame was cut out then Ive used a white inkpad to bring out the spots around the edges. Ive then stuck the stamped image behind ready to stick to my card. The greeting is one of my stamps from Flourishes.

Anyway Ive then made a base card from A3 card and cut it to and 8"x 8" size, for the first layer Ive used pale blue pearlescent card and then one of the red papers from the Bearly Mine Extreme Designs Cd, and onto this I have put 3 layers of paper, two of red pearlescent paper and another of the Bearly Mine Design papers, but I have layered them up alternatively but first punched along the edge with my Martha Stewart Border punch, to give a frilled edge to them. Around the whole thing I have stuck a flowered ribbon, and then stuck my stamped image on top. The greeting was then punched out with one of the ribbon labels from Spellbinders, I have then stuck some brads through the holes and attached it to the card with foam.

The flowers are some of the Prima Hydrangea petals with a brad through the centre and a rose stuck on top of these. I have also hung a heart charm from the bottom flower and this is one that I purchased from Mandy's shop . Ive then punched out some leaves, then with some silicone glue attached them to the card before sticking the flowers on top.

Have a Mice Day

Todays card is another of the lovely swop images that I got from Julie, this one is another of the Penny Black designs, I not sure what its called but its definately a lovely design of two little mice doing some sewing.

Anyway I coloured the design with my Faber-Castell pencils and cut it out with my Spellbinder Square dies, and cut another for the mount out of blue pearlescent card with the Scalloped one. The greeting is another of my Just-Rite circle stamps and the mount was also cut out with the smaller scalloped circle die.

The base card is 8"x 8" white card, then for the first layer I have used the pale blue pearlescent card onto which I have layered up one of the patterned papers from Pocket full of Posies Stack by DCWV, the second layer is a piece of blue pearlescent paper which I have used one of my Martha Stewart border punches along both sides. The third layer is another of the papers from the same stack and this was also stuck on a piece of blue pearlescent card, and with a blue gingham ribbon stuck around the centre, has been then stuck on top of the punched paper.

I have then stuck the mounted stamped image on top of this in the centre with some foam tape, and the greeting was stuck to the bottom to the right hand side. To finish of the card I have made up a flower from my Stash and hung a cat charm from the brad in the centre. Before sticking it to the card I punched out some leaves and then arranged them in some silicone and then stuck the flower on top.

I have been so Lucky

Firstly I have to thank all of you who have been congratulating me on my winning Jacqui's blogcandy - http://jacqui47.blogspot.com/ I must apologise for not acknowledging this before, but I must admit I was so gobsmacked that I wasnt quite sure how to say how excited I was about winning it, all I can say is THANK YOU Jackie for such a wonderful surprise, and its so lovely having her back again with her gorgeous work after her computer gave up the ghost.
Anyway Ive also got to say that I would have liked to have posted a card featuring Janet Roberts new Pink Gem designs, but Ive been so busy trying to catch up with myself since getting back from a few days away that Im still struggling to do so, so please I hope you will like the card Im posting today, and I will try and get one of Janets designs posted tomorrow.
I have also been asked to help my friend Sarah again, to make up some more sample cards for her Create & Craft program due at the end of June, I am also hoping that she will agree to allow me to post them as I did before, anyway I will give you the answer to that when I know.
With love and hugs to you all Shirleyxxxxxxxx

Hi Im back

Im sorry I havent been posting for the last 3 days but my hubby and I have been upto Kent to visit, my mum, my mother-in-law, and Ians two daughters and granddaughters, and one of them for the first time. I thought you might like to see them, the older little girl with my hubby is Danu and she is now nearly 10 months old, and the little one Seraphie is 5 weeks old, and is with her mum Sam.

Also I have one other bit of wonderful news, my grandson rang me from Egypt last night to tell me thats he proposed to his girlfriend and she has said yes, so it looks as though I will have to start saving for a new outfit, not sure when the wedding is going to be, no doubt he will give us that news when he gets back, but Im really chuffed, just hope that hes not in any great hurry to turn me into a great-grandma, oh well not to worry I suppose my mum will then be a great, great-grandma when he does. With love Shirleyxxxxxx

Just Magnolia Challenge Card 5

Heres my fifth card attempt for the Just Magnolia Challenge its a shaped card this time, Im afraid Ive cheated a bit with this one, hope you dont mind.

Ive used Tilda in her bathing costume dipping her feet in the water, and then masked her to sit her on the dock stamp. Ive coloured them with my Faber-Castell pencils and then cut it out completely.

I then printed a design from the Cute Companion Cd from Crafters Companion, this one is a Beach Hut design, I stuck it to a piece of white card and cut it out to resemble a hut with scenery around it. Then Ive stuck a piece of blue pearlescent card along the bottom to resemble water, and stuck the tilda mount just over the edge of the water to make her look as though shes dipping her feet in.

The greeting is a stamp from my Just-Rite set of stampes and Ive cut it out with Nestabilitie circle die and used the pinking circle one for the outer mount. This I have put to the left hand topside to allow it to look like a sun. The last thing I have done is stuck a boat button on the water.

Court Jester

Todays card has been created with the Jester stamp from Whiff of Joy. Ive stamped him onto white card and coloured him with my Faber-Castell colouring pencils, then cut him out with the pinking die from Spellbinders, I have also used it two more times with larger dies to create the mount for it.

The base card this time is a 7"x 7" inch card, on to this I have layered up a pale mauve pearlescent card with again one of the Bearly Mine design papers, the second layer is another from the same cd, but this time I have made a smaller square and punched out the edges with one of my Martha Stewart border punches, I have stuck it to the base card in a diamond shape, the third layer is a circle cut with a cutter in red holographic card, with a third paper stuck on top of it. Onto this I have stuck my stamped image.

The greeting was stamped with a circle stamp from my Just-Rite stamps and then cut out with again the pinking die, and then it was layered up on two more punched out pinking die shapes, this was then stuck to the card on bottom right hand side. The final finish is several star gems stuck around the edge to brighten it up.

Painting Rainbows

Todays card has been created from another of the Country Cousins Stamps from Funky Kits, this one is called Painting Rainbows. Ive stamped the image onto white card and used my Faber Castell colouring pencils on this one, then Ive cut it out with one of my Nestabilitie dies, and used a larger one with a piece of Teal coloured pearlescard card for the mount, the greeting was also done in the same way.

The base card is another of the 8"x 8" inch white cards cut from an A3 piece of card, on which I have layered a piece of dark green card with one of the Bearly Mine Designs, I then used another piece of pale green card and run this through my cuttlebug with one of the embossing folders. The last layer is another piece of green card, and top of this I have layered up two of the patterned papers from the Bearly Mine Cd, and punched both of the edges with the Martha Stewart Border punch. I have then stuck a piece of striped ribbon across all the layers and stuck them to the back of the first one. I also used a smaller piece of the same ribbon to make the bow.

The stamped mounted image was then stuck across this ribbon by using some foam tape and the same was done with the greeting and attached to the card below to the right hand side. To finish of the card I made up two flowers with my prima flowers and hung a double heart charm from a brad at the back which had been fed through a spacer. I then attached the flowers to the card with silicone glue but first arranged some punched out leaves then positioned the flowers on top.

A Mystery Card

Today I received a most beautiful card, and unfortunately the sender forget to sign their name, so please could the person responsible let me know who they are so that I can thank them for such for a lovely gift. With love and thanks Shirleyxxxxxx

A Country Garden

Todays card is another of the Home Grown stamps from Funky Kits, this one is called A Country Garden. I stamped the image onto white card and coloured it with my Karisma Pencils, then cut it out with the Rectangle Nestabilitie dies, I then used the Deckle Edge one for the mount. I also used the smaller ones for the greeting. I should also add I had great difficulty taking the photo because of the foil as it created flash back, so Ive had to publish a side view rather than a full face one.

The base card is another of my 8"x 8" white cards, onto this I have layered up firstly a piece of dark blue pearlescent card on which I have stuck a piece of patterned paper from the Bearly Mine Extreme Designs Cd, then the second layer was created from some embossed foil card, then I have. The third layer is another piece of pale blue pearlescent card but this time it has two patterned papers on both from the same cd, the top one has a punched flower border, they were then stuck to the centre of the base card. Across the centre I have put another piece of the same foiled card but this time I have used my Martha Stewart border punch along both of the edges. I have then stuck my stamped image in the centre, and the mounted greeting below to the right.

The flowers were created with some Mulberry ones that were in my stash, with the lower one I have hung some flower charms. To finish of I have stuck several flower gems amoung the flourish swirls across the centre of the card.

Fragile Beauty

Im sorry I havent posted anything for a few days but Ive been rather busy, and today Ive been to a funeral, but I did manage to finish this card, I do so hope you like it.

Ive used the Fragile Beauty stamp from the Country Cousins set, from Funky Kits. I stamped the image onto white card and coloured her with my Karisma Pencils, then cut her out with my Octagon Nestabilitie die, and used a scalloped one for the mount.

The base card is a 8"x 8" and then I have layered it up by firstly using a pink pearlescent card on this I have used a pink flowered paper, then for second layer I have used a dark piece of mauve pearlescent card and run it through my cuttlebug using one of the embossing folders, the pattern is actually debosed as I had it upside down, but I thought it looked ok and decided to use it as it was. On top of this I have layered up two more mounts but this time I have used pale mauve pearlescent card and on these I have put two more patterned papers. On all the mounts I have used metallic pens around the edges.

On the top mount I have stuck some flourishes that I have punched out of a piece of the bottom flowered paper, and have stuck some little flower gems among the curls. Across the bottom mount I have put a greeting that was punched out with the ribbon label die, and used a pink spotted grosgrain ribbon threaded through the two holes at either end, the ends of the ribbon were then stuck to the back of the base mount. I have also stuck three more of the flower gems to the side of the bottom mount.

I have then stuck the mounted stamped image to the centre of the two mounts, and finished of the card with six of multi coloured Hydrangea petals, which I have layered up and put a brad through the centre of each, then stuck a silk pink rose on top of the brad. On the bottom one I have hung a butterfly charm. They were attached to the card with silicone glue with some punched out leaves arranged around them.

Just Magnolia Challenge Card 4

This is my card for the 4th Just Magnolia Challenge, I have used one of the new Tilda Butterfly stamp designs. Ive stamped onto white card and coloured her with my Karisma pencils, then cut her out and mounted her onto mauve pearlescent card.

The base card is a 8"x 8" white card, on top of which I have layered up in the way the sketch has been been drawn, firstly a layer of mauve pearlescent card, on which I have layered one of the Bearly Mine Designs from the Extreme Designs Vol.2. Ive then used another of the designs which is a large multi spotted one, and Ive created two mounts with this one, but I firstly layered this one onto a yellow pearlescent card and then onto mauve. For the long mount Ive used a piece of the mauve card and ran it through my cuttlebug machine with one of the embossing folders.

The mounts were then layered up as instructed to do so, on top of these I have stuck the stamped image in the centre. To cover up a slight mishap I had with a metallic pen, that I had used around the edge, Ive stuck a few butterflies punched out with my Martha Stewart punch, and stuck them on the stamped image with a little bit of stickle glitter glue on.

I have then stuck pearls in the appropriate corners, and stamped a greeting onto another piece of white card with my Just-Rite circle stamps then cut this out with my circle Nestabilitie die, and with the Scalloped circle created a mount for it, which I then stuck below the stamped image to the left hand side.

To finish of I have created 3 flowers from the new Prima flowers (which look a lot pinker in the photo, than they are in real life), punched out some leaves then with some silicone glue arranged them in the top right hand corner.

Another big surprise Award from Nikki

Ive been so very lucky this week to have been given so many beautiful awards, and this one is another really lovely one from Nikki of http://bunny-zoes.blogspot.com/ , bless you and thank you so very much Nikkie, please go and visit her beautiful work, and this award is just for the support you give to the blog, and for no other reason.

So I want to give it to "All my Blog Followers", so please accept it with all my very grateful thanks as without you visiting and leaving such lovely comments my life would be extremely dull, your support is so very much appreciated believe me. With love and lots of hugs Shirleyxxxxxx

"Who Ate all the Strawberry Jam"?????

Todays card is another of Julies images by Penny Black, this one is gorgeous I think these mice are really cheeky, and of course the one in the spoon has obviously been over doing it.

Anyway Ive again coloured the image with my Karisma pencils then cut it out and gone around the edge with my metallic pen, then Ive mounted it onto a piece of salmon pearlescent card.

The base card is an 8"x 8" white card, and onto this I have put a layer of the salmon coloured card, and Ive then used two papers this time from a magazine, which I have scanned into my computer and used My Craft Studio program to enlarge them to fit the card. The second layer is of pearlescent card has been put through my cuttlebug machine with one of my embossing folders, on top of this is the second sheet of patterned paper and this has been also mounted onto the salmon coloured card.

I have then mounted the stamped image on top of them, and used my computer to create the greetings, after printing it out onto photo paper, Ive used my rotatrim to cut it down and then mounted this onto a further piece of the salmon card. Ive used some foam to attach it to the base card.

Ive then created the flowers with the new Prima ones, Ive first punched out some leaves stuck them to the card with silicone glue, then stuck a Hydrangea petal in the middle and on top of this the new flowers, Ive also hung a strawberry charm from the bottom flower.

A really lovely Award from Lorraine

Ive been so very lucky this week, Ive been given another award, this time from the lovely Lorraine, a fellow Gloucestershire mate, "Thank You Lorraine", and this one is called the Lemonade Award, and its conditions are as follows :- When you receive the award please leave a comment and show off the award on your blog then nominate other bloggers you feel have attitude and gratitude.

The following are my nomination for the award, I hope that you will accept it please, they are

Lizzy - Lizzymayfairies

Linda - Linanna Designs

Saskia - Snippers & Co

Linda - Simple and Sassy Creations

Mandy - Sparklybits,

Janet - Pink Gem

Julie - Julies Cards

Riet - Riets Blog

Poppy - Poppy's Place

Sue - Scoopystuff.

Thank you girls for being such wonderful friends and for also being such loyal followers of my blogspot. With love and hugs Shirleyxxxxxxxxxx

"Follow my Leader"

Todays card is another of the Penny Black images that Julie exchanged with me, this one I love with these little mice all carrying their balloons in a line.

Ive coloured the image with my Karisma pencils and have used some Diamond Glaze on the balloons to make them shine. Ive then used a pen around the edge and mounted it onto a piece of pale blue pearlescent card, Ive also written a line along the top of the card.

The base card is a 8"x 8" white card, and on top of this I have used the pale blue pearlescent card with one of the Bearly Mine papers, I have used three designs from the Extreme Designs Cd.2 this time and I love these ones especially as they are so vibrant.

The other two mounts have been placed at a L shape and I stamped a greeting onto white card and punched it out with a bit of the blue card with one of the ribbon labels from Spellbinders, and threaded through a piece of blue grosgrain ribbon and stuck this to the bottom of the card. Ive then positioned the stamped mounted image onto the middle of the card, and placed several cat buttons down the edge on the left, and a meow button at the botton. The final thing is the little blue pearl gems that were stuck to the top and down the centre of the card.

Another beautiful award from Linda

Tonight Ive just discovered the lovely Linda of http://simpleandsassycreations.blogspot.com/ has awarded me a lovely award, bless you Linda and you inspire me to, and from the conditions which are as follows :-In case you don't know the rules, here they are: 1) link back to the person who gave it to you; 2) put the picture/award on your blog; 3) you can nominate anyone and as many as you choose; 4) leave a fact that no one knows about you; and 5) leave a comment on the blog that gave you this award.

I have to leave a fact that none of you know, so here goes Im very naughty about buying loads of craft stuff when I really shouldnt, I wont give you the amount I spend each month, but its certainly more than I should be spending. I hope this fact covers that condition, now I have to nominate people to receive this award from me, so here goes :-

Bev, Rach, Sue, Kimmi, Poppy, Linda, Julie, Marcea, Saskia, Claudia, Mandy, Debby, Debbie, Linnie, Nikki, Ria, Riet, Lorraine, Denise, Jamie, Andie, Janet, Chris, Claire, Enfys, Mary, Lia, Roz, Trudette, Carole, Lizzy, Sue and anyone who visits my blogspot tomorrow on the 14th of May. Thank you girls so much for all your inspiration and the beautiful comments you leave me. With all my love and lots of Hugs. Shirleyxxxxx

Chocolate Heaven

Todays card has been made with one of the lovely images that was sent to me by my friend Julie, thank you my love hope you like what Ive created.

Ive used one of the Penny Black images, this one as you can see is a load of rather naughty mice stuffing themselves on chocolate. Ive coloured the image with my Karisma pencils, and edged the paper with a blue pen, then mounted it onto a piece of pale blue pearlescent card.

The base card is a 7"x 7" size card on which I have layered up another piece of the pale blue card, on top of this I have used a piece of patterned flower paper again from the Bearly Mine Extreme Design Cd, I love these papers, on this I have layered another of the designs, this time a star pattern and I have used the star border punch by Martha Stewart around all four edges, though its not to easy to see on this photo.

I have then wrapped a piece of ribbon around these and stuck it down, on top I have layered the stamped image. I have then created two flowers from the Prima Hydrangea range of petals stuck a brad through the centre and on top I have stuck a silk rose. Then with my leaf punches, punched out several pieces and stuck them under the flowers.

Then I have stamped a greeting onto white card, cut it out and mounted it also onto a piece of blue pearlescent card, this was then stuck to the card with foam. To finish the card of I have stuck some star jewels in a couple of places.

Something a bit different - Topiary Tree

Yesterday I spent a few hours making the above topiary tree, and although its turned out fine Ive got to tell you it wasnt as easy as I thought it was going to be, it took a while to cut out all the circles with my diecut machine, and to assemble it, anyway Im getting ahead of myself so I will start at the begining.

I have used the new circle stamps by Creative Expressions, and the idea is to stamp out 20 of them then paint then or colour them anyway that you would like, Ive used my Artquest paints, it was easier than opening all my H2Os or my cosmic shimmer paints, anyway once they were dry I had to cut them out and score them down the three score lines on each of the circles.

You then assemble them by first sticking 5 of them into a top and 5 into a bottom piece and the other 10 pieces into a band, and this is where the fun starts as you can get rather sticky and I wont say how much trouble I had getting them to stay together, in the end I used some paperclips.

Anyway the last thing you do is punch a hole in the centre of one for the piece of dowel you use for the stem and then you need a pot to stand the tree in. Ive also used a few ribbons which I have attached to the dowel before poking it into the ball. I hope you like it, my hubby was quite taken with it.

I have also posted a photo of my Laburnam tree as I love the hanging display of flowers, hopefully it will give you pleasure as well.

Bless You and Thanks Kimmi

I had a very big surprise this evening, Kimmi of Poppy Petal Designs, has given me three awards, The Lumas Thorn Award, The Friends Award, and The L0ve Award, I was really shocked and to be absolutely honest rather gobsmacked, as Ive only just really met Kimmi, so what a wonderful thing for such a lovely lady to have given me "THANK YOU" and "BLESS YOU" for such a lovely surprise. With love and Hugs Shirleyxxxxxx

I now have to give this award to five people and this time I would like to pass them onto

Nicki - Bunny-Zoe's Blog

Lorraine - Coldwaters 2

Linnie - Linniepink

Claudia - Pretty Pressings

Mandy - Sparklybits

Thank you girls for being such loyal followers of my blogspot. love and hugs Shirleyxxxx

New Photo's of Ians Granddaughter Danu

I havent been able to make any cards this weekend or so far today as we had two visitors yesterday, my hubbys daughter and his beautiful nine month old granddaughter, so I thought for a change you might like to see how gorgeous she is, I know as you can see shes my hubbys pride and joy. love and hugs Shirleyxxxx

Cards are wanted to raise Funds for MS

I have a 39 year old daughter who suffers with Primary MS, she has been diagnosed for the last 5 years but she has been suffering from it for longer than this, but wasnt aware of it. http://stamping-fantasies.blogspot.com/, Brenda has MS as well, and is trying to raise funds for Addenbrooks MS Department, the same department that my daughter was diagnosed by, if any of you ladies would like to offer some of your cards towards this cause please click on the Rose picture and it will give you all the instructions you will need, to be able to send them to her. I have a few to post myself so I do so hope that you feel that this is a good cause worth supporting.
With grateful thanks love and hugs Shirleyxxxx

Challenge Card 4 for Just Magnolia

This card today is my fourth card for the Just Magnolia Challenge, and this time it must incorporate stitching.

Ive stamped the Tilda image onto white card and coloured her with my Karisma pencils then cut her out completely. The base card is a 8"x 8" white card, and for the first layer I have used a piece of blue pearlescent card, on top of which I have stuck another Bearly Mine design papers, this I have machine stitched together, then I have stuck a pale blue embosed peice of vellum, cut back to reveal the stitching. The second layer is another of the patterns from the same cd, and this one has been mounted onto cream pearlescent card and machine stitched around the edge. The third layer is another of pale blue pearlescent card with a third design again machine stitched together and another piece of the pale blue embossed velum stuck over it. You can just see the papers under the vellum.

The stamped image has been layered up onto two pieces of punched out card, one blue and one cream, this was done with the Blossoms Nestabilitie die, and around the edge I have stamped with my Stamp Tapestry stamps a pretty edge, as the pale card didnt look right. I have stuck the stamped image onto these die cuts with silicone glue.

I have then created two flowers from my Papermania petals with silver spacers and blue pearl brads, and have attached a heart shape charm from the brad at the back, Ive punched out several leaf pieces and stuck under the flowers. To finish of I have stamped a greeting onto white card and with the blue pearlescent card punched out with the tag die, cut the white card back to reveal the blue card, and made a hole in the top and threaded a piece of organza ribbon through.

Country Cousins - Country Style

Todays card is another of the new Country Cousin Stamps, this one is called Country Style from Funky Kits. Ive stamped onto white card and again used my Karisma pencils to colour it, Ive then cut it out with the large rectangle die and then for the mount I used a deckle edged one.

The base card is a 8"x 8" base card, and down the edge I have used the Martha Stewart punch to make an edge, behind which I have stuck to the inside, a piece of the first patterned paper. Afterwards Ive then used a pale green card for the first mount, on which I have layered up again one of three papers that Ive chosen from the new Bearly Mine Designs Cd, the second mount is a piece of a stronger green card with the second of the papers, and around the edge Ive used grosgrain ribbon, the third and last mount is another of the papers and this one has got some of the grosgrain ribbon wound around the top of it.

I have layered both mounts in an upside down L design, and then stuck the mounted stamped image across the front of one of the mounts. The flower was created with several different sizes of petals and then used a jewelled brad in the centre. The final thing Ive done is stamp a greeting onto white card and cut it to fit a small deckled edged die cut. Looking at the photo it doesnt look quite straight so I may need to remove it and stick it down again, sorry about that.

Country Cousins - Girl with Cats

Todays card has been made using the new Funky Kits Country Cousins stamps, Ive chosen to use the little girl playing with her cats. Ive stamped the image onto white card and coloured her with my Karisma pencils, after I cut it her with the large Rectangle Nestabilitie die, and the Deckle Edged one for the mount that Ive mounted her on with foam.

The base card is a 8"x 8" white card and the for the first layer I have used a pale lilac pearlescent card on which I have used one of three papers that Ive printed from the new Bearly Mine Extreme Designs Vol.2 Designs cd. For the second layer I have used one of the patterned ones, this one a flower one and I have used a Fiskars border punch along the edges, Ive then stuck it across the centre of the card. On top of this I have used another piece of mauve pearlescent card and a third layer of paper this one is a large spot sun design, and around the two I have stuck a grosgrain ribbon.

Ive then stuck my stamped mounted image over the centre layer, and made up two flowers from my crafty stash, and in the centre I have put a spacer and pearl brad, on the bottom one I have attached a butterfly charm from the back. The greeting is one that I found amoung my stamps, which I felt fitted the small diecut that I have chosen to mount it on.

To finish of the card I have stuck two cat buttons to the left hand side at the bottom and two flower jewels on the ribbon to the right hand side of the stamped image.

Blueboy Edwin

Im not sure why I believe that Edwin is looking a bit blue, maybe its because it just strikes me that way. Ive stamped him out first onto a separate piece of white card and coloured him with my Karisma pencils and then cut him out ready to stick on the wall. The wall was also stamped onto white card and coloured again with my pencils, I then cut this out with my rotatrim and positioned Edwin on the wall. After which I have mounted him onto a pale blue pearlescent card, followed by a dark green patterned paper and lastly onto a paler green card.

The base card this time is 9"x 7" size, mainly because the stamped image is so long. On to this base card I have layered a piece of dark blue pearlescard card and two patterned pieces of blue paper from the Bearly Mine Designs Cd, Ive covered the middle seam with a piece of dark blue pearlescent paper edged with one of my Martha Stewart border punch, and then positioned my stamped mounted image on top.

To finish of the card, I have stamped a greeting onto white card and cut it out with one of the Nestabilitie tag dies, and attached it to the card at the bottom with a hand shaped paperclip that I found in Staples this weekend, they have a load of different shapes, I bought a mixed bucket of them. Ive then stuck two dog buttons at the top, and some star shaped jewels down on either side of the stamped image.

Another Beautiful Surprise

I have been so very lucky today to have received yet another award, and this one is from Liz of lizzymayfairies, thank you Liz its such an honour to receive it.

I suspect that I now must pass it onto three people to thank them for being such lovely followers of my blog, I like to give it to

Riet - Riets Blog
Linnie - LinniePink
Linda - Simple & Sassy Creations

Thanks for being such lovely people. lots of love Shirleyxxxxxx

Another Beautiful Surprise Award

Today I was given a really lovely surprise from Julie Eastwood, another gorgeous award. "Thank You" so much Julie, with all my love Shirleyxxxxx

I now have to pass on this award to 5 lovely people who have been an inspiration to me, so heres my list

Denise - Denise likes to Stamp

Lizzy - Lizzymayfairies

Mary - Crafty devils creations
Saskia - Snippers & Co

Claire - CraftyC

Thank you all for being such lovely people and for visiting me so regularly. With all my love Shirleyxxxxxxxxx

My Card for the 3rd Just Magnolia Challenge

Todays card is the card that Ive created for the third Just Magnolia Challenge, I have used one of the new Tilda stamps this time she is holding a butterfly in her hands.

The card has to conform to the sketch and hopefully I have more of less done so, the base card is a 8"x 8" card, on which I have layered up firstly a pale lemon pearlescent card and have used the Bearly Mine Designs papers, this one is a flourish one. The second and third layers are two more of the designs from the same Cd, on which Ive used a Martha Stewart border punch to create the frilled edge, on top of this I have used a piece of pink pearlescent card and have again used the same punch along the bottom edge, then wrapped a piece of ribbon across the top edge. Before sticking down on top of the two other layers I have again wrapped a cross of ribbons.

I have then cut out my stamped Tilda image which I have firstly coloured with my Karisma pencils and stuck her to a oval of cream pearlescent card which I have also stuck a outer circle of a lemon piece of card. These have then been stuck onto a Scalloped edged oval, all of these have been achieved with the Nestabilitie dies. I have also stamped a greeting onto a tag die, and cut these out with the dies as well, fed a piece of pink ribbon through a hole punched at the top. Both were then stuck to the centre piece of pink card.

To finish of the card I have punched out several flourishes using the EK flourish punches using some of the papers left from the centre, and on these I have stuck some flowers that I have created using my Floral Punch Craft book and appropriate punches. The finishing touch are the three pink jewels stuck to the bottom and the side of the card.

Happy 8th Birthday Oliver

Today is the birthday of my youngest grandson Oliver, hes now 8 years old, and is the son of my youngest daughter. So Happy Birthday "Oliver" I hope you have a wonderful day, with lots of love from Nanny Shirley and Ianxxxxxxxxxx

Happy 10th Birthday Taylor

Today is my second granddaughters 10th Birthday and I want to wish her a very Happy Birthday, so "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR" with lots and lots of Love and big Hugs, Nan and Gromps xxxxxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Im sorry I havent made a card today, mainly as I have been rather busy pressure washing my patio, and I thought I would take a couple of days of, hope you dont mind, will be back again on Tuesday.

I had the most beautiful surprise from Saskia

I am the most excited person this evening as I received this lovely award, its called "The Gift of Love Award" from Saskia today, and it came as a complete surprise. I had just left a comment for her, then went back to look at the picture and realised that she had only gone and left me the award, as I caught my name underneath.

Im so sorry Saskia for not realising it was meant for me, but being a bear collector you couldnt have given me anything better, so THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, for such a beautiful award. I gather I have now got to pass this award onto five more people. So here is my list.

Linda - Linanna Designs

Julie - Julies Cards

Poppy - Poppys Place

Sue - Scoopys Stuff

Jamee - Pink Beach Ball

Thank you girls for being such loyal followers of my blogspot, and to all my other loyal followers THANK YOU just wish I could give it to you all. With all my love Shirleyxxxxxxxx

Blue Dreams

This is the last of four images that Ive used my copic pens on, and this is again one of the Gorguss Girls, I think this one must be Girl wearing a pinny.

I stamped this image onto white card and again used the copic pens to colour her, Ive then used the large label die to cut her out, and then cut another out of pale blue mirri card and turned it around to mount her onto.

The base card is another of the 8"x 8" cards, and on this I have mounted a dark blue mirri card with one of the Bearly Mine designs, on top of this I have created an octagon shape and used a second gingham design from the cd, the third layer is a piece of dark blue pearlescent paper and Ive used one of the Martha Stewart border punches.

On top of this I have layered another mount, this time Ive used a daisy paper, and positioned this in the centre of the pearlescent paper, across the middle I have stuck a border of lace daisies. I have then put foam on the back of the stamped image and positioned her in the centre of this last mount over the daisies.

I then stamped a greeting onto card, and cut it out with one of the ribbon label dies, and threaded blue spotted ribbon through the ends and stuck this below the stamped mounted image.

To finish of the card, Ive created a multi blue flower with a silver spacer and blue pearl brad, with a butterfly charm hanging from the back, this was then stuck with some punched out leaves to the top of my card on the left hand side. The final embellishments are two sets of three pearls stuck to the bottom and top of my card.

Me and my Teddy

Ive got to own up to being a bit of a bear collector, so this card is definately one after my own heart, though its not been done in my favourite colour it is very near to it.

This is another of the Gorguss Girls, this is the one with the teddybear, Ive stamped her onto white card and have again used my copic pens. Ive then used one of my Nestabilitie Label dies to cut her out, and with dark blue mirri card Ive cut another to use as her mount. I expect you have also found that the dies really arnt big enough to use for the stamped images so I though by doing this with them you can at least rotate them and they do fit onto the die area, or at least thats my thoughts on the idea.

I have used 8"x 6" card size this time, and on this I have layered up firstly with a piece of pale blue pearlescent card and a patterned paper, then I have cut a strip of another patterned stripped paper, and with a new punch from Kreations cut a border of flowers. These punches come with 3 types of mask pieces that you can slot in to use as border and corner punches. This I have stuck across the middle and on top of this I have put a piece of the pale blue card and again I have used the same punch to punch the corners. I have then made another mount of dark blue mirri card and on top of this I have put a third spotted paper and have used the same punch again on the corners.

I then stuck the stamped image onto the middle of this mount, after which I stamped a greeting with my Just-Rite stamps and mounted this onto two colours of blue card, which again I have offset, this was then stuck to the top right hand side of the card.

To finish of I have made up a multi blue flower and put a blue pearl brad with a daisy spacer through the centre and attached a bear charm on the back. The last thing I have done is stuck some flower jewels across the bottom with some little blue jems in the centre of each.