Oh what hassle to post my blogcandy

My husband and I have spent hour trying to sort out how to keep the post at the top of my blog, only to discover that my settings were out of date, you need to use the new editor to do this, it actually gives you a complete new posting page and the Post Options are different again. I hope this helps anyone else whos been having similar problems, its all to do with these damn updates that they keep giving us. With love and hugs Shirleyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PS Ive posted my finished bathroom for you to see, hope you like it

Just Magnolia and Cute Card Thursday Challenge

Wow two cards posted in one day, you will be thinking Ive gone mad, but I finished this one just a hour ago so thought as tomorrow is going to be a big day for me that I would post this now. Its for the Just Magnolia challenge which has to be monotone colours, Ive used blue as my base colour, and the Cute Card Challenge is Midnight Margaritias, so Ive used this Magnolia image and masked her and popped a glass behind her.

Ive then coloured her with my copic pens and cut her out with my Label No.8 Nestabilitie die, drawn around the outside of the same size for the mount, Ive used a dark blue pearlescent card for this, I also used an appropriate sentiment stamp and mounted this in the same way, with both of these mounts Ive used a pale blue chalkpad around the edges.

For my base card Ive used a 8"x 8" white card and for the first layer Ive used a piece of the same dark card and one of three designs from the Bearly Mine Designs by Donna, and then for my second layer Ive used a smaller piece of blue card with the second paper design, for the third layer Ive punched out two scalloped circles and then cut another two pieces of patterned paper to mount onto them, though the top one isnt visable because of my flowers, but I did cut them and threaded some ribbon through the holes and stuck it to the back of the first two layers. I actually used a sketch that I found on the web, and slightly changed it. On top of this I have stuck my mounted image with some foam tape and my sentiment at the bottom.

To finish of Ive created two flowers from some of the papers I had left and hung a heart charm from the bottom one, and then mounted them both on top of some punched out leaves that I have stuck to the top right hand corner with some silicone glue.

Stampin for the Weekend and Mo Mannings Challenge

Todays card has been created for the Stampin for the Weekend and Mo Mannings Challenges, Ive again combined the two as Ive still got to make a start on some of the samples for Sarah, Ive created one thing already and will post it probably next week as tomorrow Im going to post my Blogcandy, as its nearly a year since I started blogging and its almost my birthday and the biggest thrill of all is Ive nearly received my 10,000 hits, you wont see the counter for this as its right down the bottom of my blog and was the first counter that I put on the blog. So its to be a triple wammy one and I hope that you will all take part in it.

Back to the card, Ive created a easel card for Mo's challenge and used purple, blue and orange and the theme is "Girls just wanna have fun" for the Stampin for the weekend challenge, so I hope that it hits both camps. The base card is the most difficult part of the design, it has to be three pieces of 8"x 8" size pieces stuck together to make one long 8"x 24" size card, and onto this I have layered up firstly for the inside one Ive used a piece of mauve card with one of Donna's Bearly Mine Extreme Vol.III Designs, a pretty mauve one and on top of this I have put a strip of the same mauve card with yet another of the papers which I have used one of my Martha Stewart border punches along both of the edges then wrapped a piece of ribbon around it and attached it to the back. Ive then made up two brads and put them through the ribbon to hold up the front flap then stuck towards the bottom of this page.

For the front of my card Ive used a piece of Orange card with one of the orange designs and on top of this Ive layered up a further two pieces of blue patterned paper with the same border punch design along the edges. My gorgeous Mo Manning image was printed from my computer and coloured with my copic pens, and then it was cut out and with some blue chalkpad, Ive distressed the edges of it, then mounted it onto a piece of blue pearlescent card. The sentiment was printed from my computer and mounted in the same way.

To finish of Ive used a large crochet flower and four small ones, Ive used one in the middle of the large flower, and the rest Ive stuck amoung the punched out leaves that I layered on first with some silicone glue. I also hung a crown from the large flower.

Guess what I won a Stampin for the Weekend Blinkie

Im sorry I havent been around for a couple of days, its been a bit hectic here, weve had a new shower installed and my hubby has been tearing his hair out with trying to tile around it and finish of putting up a shelf at the top of the bath, and guess what hes having a nervous breakdown, so I havent had much time to devote to do any crafting, as Ive been trying to write this post Ive been called several times to inspect his work, so you can image what it would be like if I was in the throws of trying to make a card.

I also received the new Sarah Hallam CD by Peerless Designs, the other day which means I have some samples to create for her, the new program is due to be aired on Create and Craft on the 15th November so I have to get a move on and start making them. The new Cd is absolutely stunning as all Sarahs are, this one is called Woodland Friends and you can guess what it has on it, Badgers, Owls, Squirrels, Hedgehogs, Doormice and lovely things of that nature, I will be posting my efforts as I make them.

I really wanted to tell you that I won a Blinkie for my card for the Stampin for the Weekend Challenge last week, and Im thrilled to pieces at that, as I can pop it on my side bar and wear it with pride, thank you so much to all those judges who considered my card worthy of it. Bless you and thanks.

I will be posting two photos for you to see the mess weve been in for the last month, what with having to have a new bath as well, its been a real struggle to try and get the bathroom straight again. (This is the first time my hubby has done any tiling and I dont think hes done a to bad a job of it).

Danu's Dilemma - or one little girls frustration

Today we received some photos of our little granddaughter, as like most of us trying to force square pegs into round holes this little mite was also getting a bit p......ed off with trying to get her shapes through the holes on her snail.

I hope you enjoy looking at these as much as we did, she is now 14 months old and walking, we love her to bits. With love and hugs Shirleyxxxx

A wonderful Award from Poppy and Birsel

Ive been awarded this several times before but I think its a wonderful award and Im always thrilled when its given to me as I think its such a personnal one, so thank you both Poppy of http://poppy2splace.blogspot.com/ and Birsel of http://hobbyvita.blogspot.com/, but before I go any further I must apologise to Birsel for not acknowledging receiving this a month ago, as Id only just received it from someone else and didnt want at that time to give anymore of my secrets away so I have to really give it some thought as to what I can shock you with today.

The rules of accepting this award are that you must give five things away about yourself that isnt already known and to pass it onto five more worthy receiptants, so here goes. 1. Im a really big Teddy Bear collector. 2. We went shopping on Saturday and my hubby who bought me two more Bears and a gorgeous Gollywog for my birthday in a months time. 3. We had to have a new bath installed a month ago, and I made my poor hubby re-tile the bathroom, which he really didnt like doing. 4. We also had a shower installed today so hes now got to finish the tiling of. 5. We are moving his mum to a new Old Peoples Home in the next couple of weeks as the ones shes been living in is closing down next March, and weve been extremely lucky in finding one that only 9 miles away instead of over a 100.

Now I would like to pass this award onto five lovely followers of my blog, so here we go:

Amanda - http://montygonza.blogspot.com/

Lyn - http://spyder-spyderscorner.blogspot.com/

Doris - http://zwisselsbastel-wunder-seite.blogspot.com/

Swaanje - http://swaantjes-welt.blogspot.com/

Donna - http://cardsformen.blogspot.com/

I hope you will all accept this award with my love and I must apologise that I wasnt able to pass it onto more of you fabulous followers as you are all my most ardent friends. Thank you so much for being you with my love and huge hugs Shirleyxxxxxxxx

My First Digi Image onto a Candle

Well Ive been experimenting on trying to get an image on to a candle and my first attempt was really awful so I wasnt quite sure I want to try again, but as my middle daughter is a lover of candles I thought Id give it a go, and be brave about it.

Well I printed a image of the wonderful Mo Mannings, its the Holly Fairy onto a piece of tissue, now this is one of the first problems I encountered, you really need to make sure that the tissue is well attached to the paper so that it doesnt buckle as its going through the printer, I also used a program that allowed me to site it in the centre in case I had another problem with it buckling but luck was on my side this time it went through absolutely fine.

I then coloured the image with my copic pens, and afterwards cut it out ready to pop onto my candle, this was held in place with a piece of greaseproof paper, and you hold the two ends tight so that you are able to able your heat gun over the image, the greaseproof paper actually reacts the same way as your embossing powders, you can see it slightly change colour and it also starts to melt on top of the paper.

Once you remove your greaseproof paper, there you are the image on a candle, I will probably pop some little sparkly gems to make it zing, but I thought you like to see the result so far.

Just Magnolia and Stampin for the Weekend Challenges

Well yet again Ive had to create a Halloween card, but I think I may just send this to my eldest grandson now hes home again, thank you so much for the really lovely wishes so many of you have sent me and him. I actually managed to talk to him on Friday and I was so relieved to hear his voice, hes now of on holiday for a week with his fiance, so I want to wish him a wonderful time. My mum is also relieved and happy to know hes back in the UK again, bless her shes now 87 and its a worry for me can you image what's it been for her about her eldest great grandson.

Anyway todays card has been created from one of the new Magnolia Halloween stamps, this one is a mummy and Ive masked it to stamp the tombstone behind and then coloured it with my copic pens, after which I used a oval template to cut it out then created another in silver pearlescent card just a bit larger for the mount, before sticking the image on top of this Ive used a slate grey inkpad and distressed it around the edge. The sentiment is another of my stamps from the Waltzing Mouse stamp set, if you click on the name it will take you there so you can see what overs theyve got to over.

The base card is a 8"x 8" white card and for my first layer Ive used one of Donna's Halloween set of papers from the Extreme Designs Volume III set, this is the prize for this weeks Stampin for the weekend Challenge. The first papers Ive used is a blue and black check paper, and this was stuck on a piece of the same grey pearlescent card, for the second layer Ive used a silver card with the second of my papers this one is a orange and white cheque design with bats and sentiments on. Around these two layers Ive put a black satin ribbon and attached it to the back of the second layer.

The third layer is a piece of orange card with yet another of the papers, this one is a orange based one with bats, hearts and sentiments all over it, then positioned at a angle across the card over which I have stuck a black velvet ribbon around the opposite way to the other one. I then popped a bat hat pin through this ribbon at the top. The stamped image was then positioned in the middle with the sentiment to the right hand bottom of my card. I then popped a hand button with black ribbon threaded through the holes on top.

To finish of Ive created two flowers of the smaller size and one big one from some left over papers from this set, moulded them with my ball tool and threaded some brads through the centres of all three with some pretty flower spacers as well. I then mounted them onto the card with some black fern leaves first and the flowers on top which were attached with some silicone glue.

My Grandson is Home

I havent been able to tell you but my eldest grandson has been in Afghanistan for the last six weeks and its been one of the most worrying times I know, luckily as hes in the RAF he hasnt actually been on front line service, but has been at the Airforce Base looking after the planes. Anyway tonight I got confirmation that hes home again, and Im SO COCK-A-HOOP and so relieved I carnt explain how relieved and happy I am to have him back, hes one of the most loving and thoughtful men I know. Thank God hes home and Safe. With all my love and Hugs Shirleyxxxxxxxxxxx

Mo's Challenge and Cute Card Thursday Challenge

Im sorry but Ive combined two challenges together again this week, Mo's Mannings 3rd Challenge is anything but a card, and Cute Card Thursday's Challenge is anything Candy, so Ive used this cute gorgeous image of Bella and Bronte fishing around in their Christmas Stockings to cover I hope both of these challenges, theres lots of candy on the floor and and inside on the lost leaf theres some more with the cheeky Santas Helpers, and for my Cheek Ive created a Christmas List for Mo's Challenge, so its a bit of a poetic licence this week, I hope that this will be accepted by both camps.

The main image was printed from my computer and coloured with my copic pens and some crystal glitter on the fluffy edges of the stockings, as was the small image inside. Ive then cut them both out and mounted them onto a piece of red card. For my base card/folder Ive cut a 8"x 8" white base card and cut out a piece for the pocket, of plain card to fit inside my folder.

Then I printed four pieces of the same paper for all the main surfices, and mounted them all onto red card. The inside one is cut at a slant to make the pocket and mounted on the right hand leaf. On the lost leaf Ive mounted my Santa's Helpers.

On the front of my card Ive used three different papers all from the Nitwit Downloads, sorry I meant to say what papers they were, anyway on all of these ones Ive used my EK Success Fir Tree border punch and layered them up one on top of the other and then positioned it across the middle of the front leaf. Ive then used a fifth paper on another piece of red card for the mount across the top of the last three, and wrapped a piece of wired ribbon and stuck it to the back. Then Ive mounted my coloured image with some foam tape on top of this, and the sentiment strip was positioned below to the left. This was printed from my computer.

To finish of Ive used three poinsetta's and some punched out fern leaves to create the flower arrangement at the top on the left. I should also comment that for some unknown reason my camera really doesnt do a very good job of showing the shadowing of my colouring so please forgive me for that, if I use my newer camera with more pixels, it makes it more difficult for me to adjust the sizing, Im not a photographer Im sorry to say.

Looking for DT Members

My friend Donna of "Donna's Den" is looking for DT members for a brand new Challenge Blog, to apply for a chance to join her team please pop across to her blog "Cards for Men" if you are interested to see what is involved.

Another Sample from Sarahs new CD - Playful Imps

This is another of my samples done for Sarahs new Cd, which is being previewed this morning on Create and Craft 671 and on Preview 36, Sarah rang this morning to let me know thats shes ok and to say that shes excited about the program, she also wanted to know how to pronounce my hubbys granddaughters name Seraphie, anyway she has Stephanie with her this morning, Good Luck Sarah, knockim dead.

Now this card has been created again mainly with strange fold, in fact its a gatefold card with the four inter corners folded towards the centre and then folded back. Ive used two of the gorgeous papers from Sarahs cd, and a topper which has been mounted onto a piece of Gold mirri board as have the two front pieces. This was done with one of the background papers and Ive picked the best parts to use on this two outside pieces. then mounted these two onto the same gold card. The centre panel had to be cut to fit enough inside the diamond shape as the fold wouldnt have laid straight otherwise, Ive used a peel of for the sentiment on the front.

I hope you enjoy watching Sarahs show, if you dont have an account with C&C you can buy any of her wonderful cds directly from her own website http://www.spanglefish.com/peerlessdesigns/ and you will get free p&p within the UK, and any help that you might need, Sarah is a wonderful person who will gladly give any help needed, Ive known her for about 4 years and I carnt tell you how proud I am of her achievements and her work is absolutely stunning. And it is all her own artwork, she does actually draw and paint a lot of the characters you see on these cards, the rest is photos she has taken herself.

Sarah's Create and Craft Program

I want to remind you all that Sarah is previewing her beautiful new Craft Cd tomorrow at 11am on Create and Craft, Sky 671 and Preview 36, I do so hope you will be watching and enjoying her fantastic creations, shes one wonderful creator of images and designs and the papers are to die for.

Another Sample for Sarah - A K-Card

This card wasnt easy to create and I actually printed out at least 4 of each of the two papers Ive used, as I get getting the papers either not quite square or the glue would stick to quickly that it wouldnt allow me to wiggle it into place, in the end I used photo glue and held it for a few seconds until it actually stuck.

Ive no idea if any of you have ever tried this template of card as you have to have the inside one poking through the front cover and if you dont get it in the right place it doesnt look to good, anyway with a bit of luck it did eventually work out ok. On the inside page Ive printed a verse which was done with my program Word to get it in the right place, and the greeting on the front was also printed on my computer and mounted on a piece of red card.

The topper was cut out separately and mounted on a piece of red card then and stuck to the flap that came through the front of the card, after which I stuck my greeting below it.

Sarahs Sample - Exploding Box

Todays creation is a exploding box, Ive printed several of the topper sheets from Sarahs Cd "Playful Imps" and cut all the different sizes out to use on the sides of the leaves of this exploding box.

This was created with 3 @ 12"x 12" sheets of card, the first size of leaves is 4"x 4" and the second is 3.50"x 3.50" and the third is 3"x 3", these were created in a x shape and then folded up to create the leaves. The lid is a slightly larger 4.25"x 4.25"with 1" sides on it, the toppers were stuck to all the leaves front and back and then stacked up in the centre panel. (I can only say if you use for example the first layer a 12"x 12" piece of card and divide it into 9 equal 4"x 4"squares then remove the four corners and this will give you the right shape for the bottom layer, the other layers are created in the same way but just made in a smaller size.)

I then popped a medallion on the centre panel inside the box, and on the top of the lid Ive stuck another one thats been layered up and then before fixing the last one on Ive put a cut out of one of the bugs on a piece of Acetate and then stuck it under this layer so it bounces from the top. Ive also found some ladybugs on pegs that I took of and stuck one to the lid and one to the centre just to give it an extra flourish.

Morning Ladies

Well its been a very busy and uncomfortable weekend for me and my hubby, Saturday we had a gorgeous day visiting my grandchildrem who were all at home for a change, the eldest Thomas is doing so well at College and is settling down extremely well, hes the lad with Aspergers Syndrome and his mum Sarah and I are so proud of his ability to sort out his travelling and to deal with all the extra things hes had to do. Hes also working hard and enjoying his IT course at his college.

My eldest granddaughter Chloe is quite the teenager and is almost as tall as her mum, and then my second granddaughter Taylor is also growing fast and getting more beautiful as the days go by, the youngest Joe is my boy, hes so loving and yet quite a handful for his poor mum.

It was such a lovely visit and I even got to meet my daughters new beau, a really lovely lad Allan, and I hope that this time the relationship goes well for her.

Unfortunately I spent yesterday in bed with food poisioning and that wasnt so good, so Ive got all behind with my blogging and also my posting. I will be posting some sample cards that I made for my friend Sarah Hallam whos new Cd "Playful Imps" will be aired on Create and Craft this Wednesday at 11am, I do so hope that you will all be watching and giving her the support she so deserves.

Well Id better pull my fingers out and get a move on, but first I will post some photos of my grandchildren for you to see (you wont see my eldest granddaughters face as she wouldnt allow me to take a photo of her). With love and huge hugs Shirleyxxxxxxxxxxx

Two Challenges one Card - Just Magnolia and Stampin for the Weekend

I must apologise for using the one card for both challenges this week, as I of out tomorrow to visit my middle daughter and her four children. Im really excited about that as I havent seen them since June and although they only live ninetynine miles away it always takes us about three hours to get there, and Ive missed them so much.

Ive used one of the Tilda Butterfly images which has been masked and a background has been put behind her, I have used this particular image before but as I had it in my stash I thought I would use it for this weeks Just Magnolia Challenge which is Bright and Zingy, which I hope it appears that way to you, and the Stampin for the Weekends Sketch. After colouring the image Ive mounted it onto a piece of yellow card with some foam tape. The sentiment is a Hero Arts one thats been mounted in the same way.

The Base card is a 8"x 8" white card, with the first layer being cut in two, with a yellow top halve and a lilac bottom, these have both been mounted on to yellow and mauve pearlescent card. The second layer is a piece of the same mauve card with a third pattern on, I should have said that I used the Bearly Mine Extreme Designs for this card, I also used two smaller pieces of the first papers to make up the two small square just behind my image. Im not sure if Ive not cheated a bit with this sketch as Ive made it square but I think the original is a oblong sketch, I do so hope it will qualify for the challenge.

I then positioned my stamped image in the centre and my sentiment to the right hand side at the bottom, and to finish of Ive created some flowers from some of the left over papers and then stuck a bee charm from the bottom one, and with some punched out leaves stuck into a circle and then the flowers popped on top. The last thing Ive done is stick some pearl brads to the top and bottom opposite corners.

Mo's Challenge No.2 - Autumn Colours

Wow another fantastic idea for this weeks Challenge card, and Ive used this gorgeous one by Mo Manning of a young lad lounging after sweeping up a load of leaves. I love the sound of them crunching when walking through the leaves in the Autumn, Im so lucky as I live in the Royal Forest of Dean and we of course have loads of the most gorgeous trees and at the moment they are changing in colours and showing themselves in all their splender. By trying to copy this isnt the most easiest of things to do, but I hope that Ive gone someway to doing so.

I then used a sepia inkpad to distress the edges, and then mounted it onto a piece of orange card. The sentiment is one of the Just-Rite stamps, you now can get them over here from Stampeezee. After I cut it out with my oval nestabilitie die and used a larger one for the mount.

The base card is a 8"x 8" white card and for the first layer I have used a piece of green pearlescent card and one of four papers that I bought from Nitwit Downloads, these are from the Not Far to Fall collection. The second and third layers are punched along all edges with a EK Success tree border punch, these were layered up on top of the base layer. For the fourth layer I have used a piece of a paler orange pearlescent card and a fourth paper around which I have positioned a piece of ribbon that has loads of leaves on.

My coloured image has then been positioned on top of these layers with the sentiment which was stuck to the bottom right hand side. To finish of I have used several different sizes of buttons, these are all a maple leaf form and were positioned in all different corners.

Cute Card Thursday Challenge - Spooky

This weeks challenge card is yet again another Halloween card, Im sorry Im having to break my word that there wouldnt be anymore of these cards, but if Im going to enter this challenge Ive got no choice.

The image Im using for this card is another of Mo Manning's fantastic Digi Stamps, this one is called "Perfect Angel" dont you think hes cute, anyway Ive printed it of my computer and coloured him with my copic pens, after which I used a orange inkpad to distress the edges then mounted the image onto a piece of orange pearlescent card. The sentiments are one of the Waltzingmouse stamps I thought it was quite appropriate for this card. Ive mounted it in the same way as the image.

The base card is a 8"x 8" white card, and for the first layer Ive used a piece of orange pearlescent card and one of two papers from Donna's Extreme Designs Vol.III the Halloween papers. This first one is a large square pattern with bats and sentiments on, the second layer is another of the papers this has loads of spiders webs on, this one I have layered it onto a piece of red pearlescent card, this was layered up onto a piece of orange card which had been passed through a cuttlebug with a pumpkin embossing folder.

I then positioned the mounted image on the second layer and the greeting below it, these were mounted with foam tape. To finish of Ive created two flowers that have been moulded with my ball tool and then Ive put a orange brad through the centres and hung a pumpkin charm from the bottom flower. Before sticking them to the card Ive punched out some black leaves and arranged them in a circle in some silicone glue then popped the flowers on top.

A Card for Pink Gem Challenge

Janet at http://pinkgem-janet.blogspot.com/ is asking us to promote some of her lovely Xmas stamps by creating as many cards as we can and linking it back to her blog, so todays card has been created to do that.
I received the stamped image in a Rak and thought it would be a good idea to use it for my card, this one is "Mimi and Snowman", I should say I do have this stamp anyway. Ive coloured her with copic pens, and used Hairy Glitter from my friend Karen at http://www.craftyideasbykaz.co.uk/index.php?cPath=41_303 for the snow and the edges to the snowmans hat, its strange stuff, it has little threads in it and glitter. Ive then mounted my image onto a piece of pale blue pearlescent card.
The base card is a 6"x 6" white card with a first layer of the same blue card and one of two papers Ive used for this card, I think this was one from a magazine, though the second paper Ive used is one of Donna's papers, Ive used a snowflake punch around the edge and stuck it in the centre of the first layer.
Ive then positioned a Xmas ribbon across the bottom, and mounted my stamped image in the centre and the greeting at the bottom. After which Ive punched out three snowflakes dipped them into glue and used Twinklets glitter for the edges, I also popped a snowflake charm behind the bottom one.

Cricut Cartridge for Sale - Christmas Cheer

I have a Cricut Cartridge for Sale "Christmas Cheer" Ive just realised Ive accidently bought a second copy and as it wont get used I was wondering if there was anyone out there who might be interested in it. Ive taken it out of its plastic outer case (packageing), but it hasnt ever been used so if you are interested I would like £30.00 including £2.00 for p&p for it, if you email me Im more than happy to oblige and I do have a paypal account so if you also have one it would be easy to arrange payment. You will find my email address in my profile. With love and hugs Shirleyxxxxxxxxx

Just Magnolia Challenge - Sketch by Mina

This weeks Just Magnolia Challenge is a sketch by Mina, Ive used one of the yummy stamps, this one has Tilda sitting with a lollipop in her hand, Ive then masked her and stamped the tins and jar behind her. After which Ive coloured her with my copic pens, and cut her out with my Martha Stewart Circle cutter, not the easiest of things to use but it allows you to cut bigger circles than normally, I also used it on a piece of pink pearlescent card for the mount. Ive also used one of the sentiments from the same set and cut and mounted it with some foam tape ready for the card. Before sticking both to their mounts I have used a pink chalkpad to distress the edges.

My base card is a 8"x 8" white card with a first layer of pink pearlescent card and one of several Nitwit Download Papers, this has a soft pink, lime green circle flourish pattern on. For the next mounts Ive used another piece of the same pink card and cut it three then run it through my cuttlebug with the swirl pattern on, this was then stuck to the base card. The cross at the bottom is made up of two different ribbons, one organza with flowers on and a pink grosgrain patterned ribbon top and bottom.

Ive then punched out some swirls from some pink and lime green gingham paper and arranged them down the edge of the card then popped some pearl gems amount the swirls. After which I have made up some flowers from my crochet ones, popped some pearl brads through the centre and stuck them on top of some punched out fern leaves in two opposite corners.

Whiff of Joy Baby Card - A Card for Alison

Firstly I want to THANK all those lovely people asking about my stomach problems, well the yougart seems to be working and my awful stomach pain seems to be gone and Im now on the mend at last, so thank you for your concern about me, it was such a lovely thing to do I appreciate that very much.

Anyway todays card has been created for the Whiff of Joy candy with a twist challenge. Ive stamped on of the Whiff of Joy Stamps, Willow with her new baby onto a piece of white card and coloured her with my copic pens, after which I have punched her out with the Deckle Edge Nestabilitie die, and Ive used a larger one with a piece of beautiful blue pearlescent card for the mount, Ive also used a greeting stamp from the same set and done a similar thing with that as well.

The base card is a 8"x 8" white card, and for the first layer I have used another piece of the same dark blue card and one of three papers from the Sue Bottles Country Cousins papers (these are from a Craft Cd that I have in my stash) and stuck this to the base card. The second layer is another of the papers on this I have used one of my Martha Stewart border punches, for the third layer I have run a lighter blue pearlescent card through my cuttlebug with one of the new CraftsToo embossing folders, this has lots of different shaped daisies on, this was stuck in the centre of the last layer.

The fourth mount is yet another piece of the dark blue card and my third paper was cut and stuck on top of this, but before sticking it to my card I have attached some lace at the bottom and a piece of blue satin ribbon around it and attached it to the back of this layer, then positioned it at the bottom of my card. I then made a blue bow and attached this on the ribbon, with the mounted greeting to the other side of it.

The stamped mounted image was then stuck in the centre of my card. To finish of Ive created with some left over papers from the same Cd, some flowers which I have punched out using me Retro punches then moulded them with my ball tool. Ive then popped a blue pearl brad through the centre with a daisy spacer, on the second one Ive hung a rocking horse charm from this brad.

Ive then punched out some fern leaves and arranged them in a circle before sticking the flowers on top.

One card two Challenges

Im afraid Im going to cheat again today with one card being eligable for two challenges, Im sorry Ive not been to visit you yesterday or so far today, Ive been in so much pain over the last 4 days that I was forced to go and see the doctor today, anyway hes diagnosed that Im probably still suffering from the gas that they pump into your stomach before the op I had on Monday, its not being released properly. Im not convinced of that but will try anything to get rid of the pain, so Ive bought some of that Yougart thats supposed to do the trick, I will let you know if it works.

Anyway getting back to blogging, todays card is for both the Cute Card Thursday Challenge which is "Charming" and the Stampin up for the weekend Challenge which is "Brown, Green and Orange" colours to be used. Ive used one of Mo Mannings gorgeous digi stamps again for this one, its a cheeky little chappy dressed in his pumpkin suit for Halloween (now I can hear you complaining that I wasnt going to make anymore Halloween cards, but guess what I just had to use this little fellow). Anyway Ive coloured him using my copic pens, then cut him out with my rotatrim and edged around the edge with some chalk ink. The greeting is one of MF Crystal Clear Stamps, this I have stamped on to white card then punched it out with my pumpkin Nestabilitie die, Ive then used the same die to draw around the edge on some orange card to create the mount and then stuck them together with some foam tape. I also used the same orange card for the image.

The base card is a 8"x 8" white card, before I go on, I actually use Rymans A3 card for this and cut it down to an 8"x 8" size, I use the same card in the A4 size for my stamped images and my printed digi images, its a good card thats got a smooth surfice which is ideal for the copic pens and for stamping on, its a 160gsm weight. Onto this base card I have layered up for my first layer a piece of the same orange card and one of four papers that Ive printed from the Bearly Mine Extreme Vol.III Designs of Donna's, these are some of her Halloween papers.

The second layer is a piece of dark green card that Ive layered up with a two tone green paper, and down one edge I have stuck two more of the papers that Ive punched along the edges with my pumpkin border punch from Martha Stewart.

This was then stuck to the base card and a brown ribbon was wrapped around the middle then stuck to the back of the first layer, the mounted image was then stuck to the right hand side, and my greeting to the left. Ive then used the same papers to punch out two large and three small flowers and moulded them with my ball tool. Then with some brown pearlescent paper Ive punched out several fern leaves and then arranged them in a circle and then popped my flower on top, before putting it there Ive hung a pumpkin charm from the flower.

Mo's 1st Challenge - Perple alias Purple

I was really excited when I discovered that Mo Manning was going to start her own Challenge Blog, and even more so today to find that the first challenge incorporates the colour Purple, to be honest I suspect a lot of you know its my favourite colour as well as Bella's and my mums.

Anyway Ive used the new image thats being used as the title for the new blog, its Bella and Bronte drawing, I think its gorgeous and wanted to buy and use it as soon as found out it was for sale. Ive printed her out and coloured her with my copic pens, after which I have cut her out with my rotatrim and use a purple chalkpad to distress the edges, then mounted her onto a piece of mauve pearlescent card. I then designed a greeting which I felt went well with her and then printed it out and did the same with the edges and mounted this also onto a piece of the same coloured pearlescent card.

The card is a 8"x 8" base white card, and for the first layer Ive used another piece of the same pearlescent card and for this card Ive used one of the four designs of papers for the first layer, (they are Noah's Ark papers from Nitwit Downloads) I love this site it has the most gorgoeus papers. Ive then used the other three papers and my doily edge Martha Stewart Border punch, then layered them up and put a piece of the ribbon I won in some blogcandy from Jacqui around the centre and attached it to the back of the first mount.

On top of this I have stuck my image with some foam tape, and the greeting Ive put below it to the right handside of the card. To finish of Ive used two different crochet flowers and popped a pearl brad through their centres, from one of them Ive hung a dog charm. I then punched out some pine leaves stuck them onto the card with some silicone glue and then popped the flowers on top.

Second Sample for Sarah - Scrapbook

This is the second sample I created for Sarah, and this one is a scrapbook for my hubbys second granddaughter Seraphie, I did one for his first granddaughter Danu last time and thought that I would make one for this one to.

I printed out all 6 scrapbook pages 4 times, so that I had 12 double sided pages, the two covers have been done with photo paper, and the alphabets were taken into photoshot to crop them and single them out to print for her name.

The inside cover was also taken into photoshot for the details of her birthdate, weight and name. The book was put together then Ive used my Zutter binder machine to stick it together and some pieces of wool were then threaded through the binding on the edge. I cut out all the alphabets and stuck them to the cover.

Inside my husband has printed of some of the photos of Seraphie and I have stuck them in and then done some journalling in word and printed it out and added that to each of the pages. Ive also stuck a few embellishments among the pages as well.

Sarah Hallam's new Cd "Imps Playtime"

Ive been asked by my friend again to help her by creating some samples for her new Cd which is due to be released on the 21st October, at 11am on Create and Craft, and I said Id be glad to help. The new Cd is a sequel to her Pixie Dreams cd and this one is delightful, if you go to her website you will be able to see all her beautiful pictures she's created for this Cd, you will find her at http://www.spanglefish.com/peerlessdesigns/newreleases.asp.
This first sample Ive created is a Birthday card with her favourite character, this is titled Buzz Off. Ive printed onto photo paper one of the Topper Sheets, and cut the large one out first and mounted it onto a piece of gold mirri card. Ive created a 6"x 6" tri-fold card and for the first page Ive used one of the background designs as my first layer with another piece of gold Mirri board, before sticking it to the first side Ive wrapped a piece of green ribbon around and attached it to the back then positioned my mounted image on top of this, and Ive put a Happy Birthday peel off across the botton.

For the second page Ive created a three picture sliding waterfall, and this was stuck to a piece of gold card, then Ive mounted it in the same way as I did the first page, with a piece of gold mirri board and another piece of my background design. Ive threaded another piece of the green ribbon through a punched hole so that it can be pulled down.

The inside of my card is two pieces of the background paper for the two outer pages with small toppers stuck to the centre and flower peeloffs around the edge, and for the centre panel Ive printed of a insert and stamped a greeting onto it. This was also mounted onto gold mirri board.

I must thank all my friends who enquired about me yesterday and emailed me their good wishes, though Ive been up most of the night with some awful stomach cramps, I must admit on the whole I think Im begining to recover from the investigation op yesterday morning, or at least I hope Im now over the worse, thank you so much girls, its so nice to have such loving friends.

I won some fabulous Halloween Blogcandy

Well Im sorry Im a bit late in posting this as Ive been to hospital this morning for a camera down my throat and really havent felt up to letting you know about it till now, well Im still alive and I want to thank Angela of http://sparklycards.blogspot.com/ as I was rather a bit surprised to say the least when I finally accepted it was me whod won in.

Anyway Ive got Teresa http://treesawardincrafts.blogspot.com/ to thank for letting me know as I would have not known about it without her help. Thank you so much girls for the lovely surprise as I was feeling a bit down yesterday dreading what I was going to have done today, it really perked me up no end when I did eventually believe Id been so lucky, and Im really excited at the prospect of playing with all those yummy bits and pieces. With love and huge hugs to you both Shirleyxxxxxxxxxx

Just Magnolia Challenge - Handmade Flowers

Well I was in my element when I discovered that this weeks challenge is to create Flowers, as I love using Floral Punch craft to create my flowers, and luckily I had actually created three roses a few weeks ago that were ready to be used on cards, Ive already used the pink one a week or so ago, and I remembered I did have a yellow a red one still left in my box.

So I used one of the Tilda stamps that was just right for this flower, she is holding a huge bouquet of roses, so after stamping her out Ive coloured her with my copic pens, making the roses yellow to blend with my created rose. I then cut her out with my Nestabilitie label die eight, and drew around the same size die to create a mount for her, Ive used yellow pearlescent card for this and all through creating this card. The greeting was stamped onto a small piece of white card and then punched out with the mount from one of the double ended tags, this one has holes for ribbon.

The base card is my usual 8"x 8" card and onto this I have layered up for my first layer a piece of yellow card and a paper from yet again Donna's Bearly Mine Extreme Designs Vol.III, Ive actually used two of the designs this time, a beautiful swirl one for the first layer and then Ive used a yellow spotted one for my third mount and a small piece for the edge of the second which has been punched along the edge with my Martha Stewart border punch, you can just see it above the stamped image. The second layer is a piece of the same pearlescent card, but Ive put it through my cuttlebug with the lovely rose embossing folder, this was then stuck to the left hand side of the card with the small piece of the yellow paper underneath.

The third mount was positioned at the bottom but I firstly threaded two ribbons through the holes of my greeting and stuck it around this mount before sticking to my card. Ive then positioned my mounted image on my card which is a little of centre to the right.

My flower arrangement was created with several punched out leaves and some bead sprays which I have arranged in some silicone glue, before sticking the rose on top I have stuck some rose leaves into the glue as well and then the rose was positioned on top. The final thing Ive done is stick three pearl gems to the top on the right hand side.

Cute Card Challenge - 1st Occasion Card

Todays card has been created for this weeks Cute Card Thursday Challenge, and this one is for a card for any first occasion, Ive chosen a baby's first Christmas card mainly because I have one to create for my hubbys second granddaughter.

Ive used again one of Janets new Christmas stamps from Pink Gems, they are absolutely gorgeous, and this one is so right for a baby's first Christmas. Ive stamped it out onto white card and coloured her with my copic pens. I then glittered her hat and around the top of the sock, then Ive cut her out with my scissors completely. Ive then put a piece of pink pearlescent card through my cuttlebug machine with a holly leaf embossing folder, then cut it out with one of the new Xmas Nestabilitie dies, this one is the Xmas Tree. Ive then stuck my stamped image onto this tree with some foam tape.

The base card is a 6"x 6" white card (yes a different size for a change) and onto this I have layered up some pink card, and one of two Christmas designs from Donna's Bearly Mine designs, these come from the new Extreme Designs Vol.III. This first paper is a lovely all over greetings design, for the second layer Ive used another piece of the same pink card with a second pattern and this one has a lovely design of flying snowmen, Ive also wrapped a pink organza ribbon around this mount and tied a bow, this was then stuck on top of the first layer to the to the top left hand corner.

Ive then stuck my mounted image to the centre of the card, after which I have punched out some snowflakes with my Martha Stewart punches, layered them up and then Ive used some stickles glue along the branches of them and around the centres where I have stuck some pink pearl gems.

The Last Halloween Card

I promise you this is the last one, but this one is for my adopted granddaughter in Scotland, and Im hopeing that she will enjoy this one. Ive used one of Janet's of Pink Gems lovely stamps, this one is Halloween Mimi, definitely suitable for a young girl. Ive stamped her out onto white card and coloured with my copic pens, she was then cut out with my rotatrim and mounted onto dark blue card. Ive also stamped the greeting from the same clear Hero Arts Halloween stamps that I used for my last card, and this also has been mounted onto a piece of the same coloured card, I have used a dark blue chalk inkpad around the edge to distress it and give it a cloudy effect.

The base card is a 8"x 8" white card with my first layer of lilac coloured pearlescent card with the first of my papers, this one is another of the Bearly Mine designs, and on top of this I have used a Nitwit paper with stars on, not that you can see them, Ive used my Martha Stewart Pumpkin border punch on the two edges. On top of this I have layed a piece of the same lilac pearlescent card but Ive put it through my cuttlebug machine and the pumpkin embossing folder first. On top of this I have put some hessian ribbon and in the centre of it I have put some thicker ribbon around the centre and then stuck it across my base card.

The next thing Ive done is stuck my mounted stamped image in the centre and the greeting below to the right hand side. To finish of Ive punched out some petals with my punches, moulded them with a ball tool and made a hole through the centre and stuck a pearl brad through and hung a witches head charm from the back. Ive then punched out some black leaves and positioned them around some silicone glue before sticking the flower to the centre. Ive also stuck some star gems at the top on the right.

A really lovely Award from Angela

Im always stunned when Im given awards as its such a lovely way of your fellow bloggers showing how much they enjoy your blog, and I suppose Im one of those people who have been shocked and so grateful for the really lovely followers that come and visit my blog. You dont expect it when you start them and its such a joy to get to know all the wonderful people out there, I image it must be one of the nicest places around, and you carnt say that to often with all the horrible things that are taking place in the world. Even my own grandson is now serving in one place I would prefer him not to be, luckily hes only got about three weeks before he comes home again.

Anyway I want to thank Angela of http://sparklycards.blogspot.com/ for the really lovely award shes given me, and to urge you all to pay her a visit and see what gorgeous creations she makes, and especially at the moment as she has some lovely blogcandy on offer as well. Thank You so much Angela, and I will try to pass it onto some of my followers though as usual its so difficult to, when I have to miss so many of my lovely friends out of the list, please forgive me as I believe all your blogs are worthy of this lovely award.

Claireabelle - http://claireabellesblog.blogspot.com/

Avril - http://avrilannwatson46.blogspot.com/

Lisa - http://crafty-moments.blogspot.com/

Doris - http://zwisselsbastel-wunder-seite.blogspot.com/

Teresa - http://treesawardincrafts.blogspot.com/

Bless you girls for being such loyal followers and I hope that you will accept this award with my love and huge hugs Shirleyxxxxxxxxxxxxx