THE CRAFT LOUNGE

Truly Scrumptious

2010-11-24T12:29:00.003Z

My last day off for the next few weeks so I thought I,d get Hollies card done. Over at Truly Scrumptious they have a lovely sketch and the theme was Think Pink, Perfect for Hollie her room is Hot Pink glitter paint so this card is so her.

Another Anya image and lots of glitter, some Doodlebug papers and Basil card I,m really happy with how it turned out and am making a matching gift bag for her new phone which she has no idea I bought for her.

Happy Crafting

Jayne xx

Christmas without Red and Green and Pollycraft Monday Challenge

2010-11-23T12:51:00.003Z

Hello there, I,ve not had a minute to myself to do a post for weeks, Got a few cards made though so will be posting them over the next few days.
The first card here is for a challenge over at Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenges, Its to make a card with no Red or Green in them, and heres my take on it. I also am entering this card over at Pollycraft Monday Challenges where the challenge is to use the colour Blue. I didnt follow any sketch just wanted to use this strip of felt snowflakes that I,ve had for years.

I love this image and I have seen this on an all white card which was just stunning, may have to have a play with it.

Happy Crafting, Back soon.
Jayne xx

Fussy and Fancy DT Call

2010-11-09T12:10:00.012Z

While checking out the challenge blogs I came across Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenges DT Call, this is something I,ve thought about for a while, but never had the nerve to apply, but You never know if you don't try so here goes, I have picked three projects to show and although it was difficult as I but a lot of love into all my cards I finally decided on these three....

The first is a recent easel card with such a cute Magnolia image coloured with Distress inks and lovely Basic Grey papers.

The next another Magnolia card but this time coloured with water colour pencils and some (or lots) of distressing, with Basic grey papers.

And finally a flap card another Magnolia (I just love them) image this time coloured with SU inks and Doodlebug papers with lots of sparkle.

I included a poem which I wrote for my niece.

Well I hope you like them and fingers crossed the lovely ladies over at Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge blog will too.

Just Magnolia

2010-11-01T14:42:00.003Z

Hello, Hope everyone had a great Halloween weekend we had a great time, two party's and trick or treating last night was lots of fun, the kids are really into Halloween not sure why they just enjoy scaring people I think. Bless them.

On to my card, Over at Just Magnolia is a fab sketch that \I,ve used to make a friends Christmas card, I,m determined to be organised this year and hope to send only hand made cards, not sure how many I need yet but the pile completed is growing so here's hoping..

I,ve had these papers and beads in my stash for years so thought it about time to use them up just not sure who they are.

Hope you like it.

Happy Crafting Jayne xx

Pollycraft Monday Challenge

2010-10-25T18:47:00.004+01:00

Hello I,m back from my surprise holiday, I really love the fact my husband can still surprise me, for my birthday a few weeks back he had booked a 5 day break in Benidorm, and we were going alone, My first child free holiday in 11 years (I really deserved it), and we had a blast what I can remember of it anyway.

My first challenge back is Pollycraft challenge with a lovely sketch to follow and although the awful pics don't show it I love this card such summery colours(i,m missing the sun).

If you have,nt tried digital stamps before theres really are sweet, these faires are from the Lilybean set, such cute images, and as they are digital you can size them to suit your project.

Love them.

Right off to bath the children, of the joy of kids.

Happy Crafting

Jayne xx

Just Magnolia Challenge

2010-10-04T11:12:00.005+01:00

Good Morning, Its a lovely sunny day here, which makes a welcome change from the constant rain we,ve all been having lately.
I,ve worked all weekend, covering someone so have had only a few hours craft time, only managed one card but I loved making it so am a happy bunny.
Over at Just Magnolia its 'Anything Goes' which was good as I already knew how I wanted this card to look.

I have no idea which papers these are but they are gorgeous, and I even used my distress inks for some colouring, I really struggle with these have thrown lots of attempts away, I can only get better I suppose.
Happy Crafting Jayne xx

Cute Card Thursday

2010-09-26T18:49:00.005+01:00

Had some spare time this morning so searched for a sketch to inspire this card, I had the image stamped and knew which papers I wanted use, I love these Lemonade papers from Basic Grey, just had no inspiration to get crafting.

The sketch at Cute Card Thursday was perfect not too fancy as I was short on time.

Here's a closer view of the image so cute.

Just off to iron the school uniforms for the week a job I hate.

Happy Crafting Jayne xx

Just Magnolia and A Spoon Full of Sugar

2010-09-23T18:02:00.004+01:00

Hello again, two posts in one week again I,m getting good at this..
Over at the Just Magnolia challenge blog they wanted us to use lace, which although is only a lace trim on my card it still counts, I love how this card turned out really dont want to give it away now.
I popped over to a Spoon Full of Sugar challenge blog and it is 'Anything Goes' so I,m entering it there too.
A full front view

Angled view

The other side, I cant decide quite how to photograph these easel cards so have posted a few.

Hope you like it

Happy Crafting Jaynexx

Sketch Saturday

2010-09-21T11:02:00.004+01:00

Sketch Saturday challenge blog have a great sketch this week and I could,nt wait to have a go with it, this is the second card I made the first was a digi image of snowmen but when I used some stickles for the glittery snow it warped image I really need to buy some digi paper, or use less stickles, not sure which was the problem. Anyhow this is my entry and I love it. Quite simple but very sweet.

I love this stamp I bought it last Christmas but never made any cards with it, I,m sure this is the first of many this year.

Happy Crafting Jaynexx

Kenny K,s Krafty Girlz challenge

2010-09-14T10:27:00.004+01:00

Hello, Two posts in two days, must be a record.
I discovered Kenny K,s digital stamps a while ago, while surfing round instead of crafting.
His designs are amazing, so funky and so different to anything else out there. I can see me spending quite a lot over there.

On to my card, his challenge is Embossing, in any form, and when deciding what papers to use this paper jumped out at me the purple flowers were perfect for a bit of free hand dry embossing, which is harder than you think, the paper is very delicate and i,m not..
Two attempts later and running out of paper I managed it, although you cant really see it on the pic.
Is,nt she great, so foxy I love her. The colouring is a bit iffy I must buy some of the digital paper soon.
Happy Crafting Jayne xx

Papertake weekly

2010-09-13T13:36:00.004+01:00

Just had time to fit this in I hope not sure what time the cut off is. But I found a lovely sketch to follow over at Papertake weekly challenge blog and here's the card I made with it.

Terrible pics again, its just started raining again so excuse the bad lighting.

This is a new stamp thats been in my drawer for an age and I used the lovely papers from Papermanias Rose Garden pad, another new purchase.
Hope you like it.
Happy Crafting Jayne xx

Virtual Hostess Club

2010-07-28T17:36:00.002+01:00

Hello ever wondered what a Virtual Hostess club entails?
Well here is a bit more info about them.
A Virtual Hostess club is an opportunity for you to build a nice collection of NEW StampinUp! products over a period of time while spreading the cost and ensuring you are still receiving the fantastic hostess benefits associated with a qualifying order.
A qualifying order has a value of minimum £150. For this the hostess is eligible to the following FREE benefits
-One level one hostess stamp set of her choice( those are sets that cannot be bought, they can only be earned free with qualifying orders of £150 or more)
-£15.00 worth of free products to be spent as you wish in the catalogue.

So here comes our Virtual Workshop: 10 people get together ( I will advertise for those people you don't have to provide 10 of them yourself, although of course if you know a crafting buddy who will love being part of this please let her/him know) and form a club, the club runs for 10 months, each member agrees to place a minimum order of £15.00/ month plus p&p.
This will give us the minimum qualifying order we need every month. Each month a DIFFERENT member in the club gets to be the hostess and collects all the free benefits associated with that month's total. By the end of the 10 months all the members in the club will have had their turn to be the hostess.
Is as easy as that and each month a box of goodies will drop on your doorstep.You will also get a FREE copy of the catalogue and any mini catalogues released throughout the club duration plus free samples, projects and freebies a few times/club.
Fancy taking part? email me NOW at jayne@carroll33.karoo.co.uk to secure your place.

Whimsy Blog Hop and Candy

2010-07-21T18:10:00.001+01:00

Whimsy stamps are having an blog hop to show case there new release of stamps, I love them all may have to purchase the full release.

Hop over and have a look.
http://bevscrafts.blogspot.com/2010/07/whimsy-new-release-blog-hop.html

Jayne xx

Two challenges in one

2010-07-21T13:05:00.004+01:00

Now for something different, Had a bit of a tidy up in the office and found my box of Basic Grey papers which I had completely forgotten about so thought I would have a change and user some of the older stash I have laying around.

I found this sketch over at The Sweet Stop Blog
http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/ (Sorry still cant do the here thingy)
And then the theme over at Anyone for Anya Blog
http://anyoneforanya.blogspot.com/

The theme this week is BE DAZZLED so incorporated them both on this one card.

I used my trusty pro markers to colour this gorgeous image.

Very cute indeed.

Happy Crafting Jayne x

Quick Thank you cards

2010-07-18T09:12:00.002+01:00

As I am pushed for time at the moment, Just not enough time in my day to fit everything in, I needed a few thank you cards for some friends who are helping me keep things moving around here. Obviously I reached straight for my Stampin Up punches and came up with these little beauties. This new two step Bird Punch is fab, its not only easy to use but is in a new slim line design so is nice and easy to store too.

Kraft card stock was used for the bases and then I raided my scrap box again for some scraps in other colours to make up the birds. I have added some tiny crystals as eyes.

Got another children's party to go to today but at least its an indoors one as its raining, unlike yesterday when I spent six hours on a beach, where it showered us with rain every half hour.

Happy Crafting

Jayne x

Quick Cards

2010-07-14T11:50:00.004+01:00

I don't know about you but sometimes you need to make lots of cards and quickly, I,m always last minute with everything so having a few quick and easy ideas for cards is a must.
The first card is using the Bella Toile stamp, is perfect for quick cards as its a background stamp, it instantly uses a lot of the space on the card, You just need to add a few embellishments and a sentiment, I used the 5 Petal Flower punch and the gorgeous Filigree designer brads make perfect flower centers, I have added extra dimension on the bottom layer by using the Eyelet border punch. When all layered together you have a stunning card which takes less than five minutes to make. Perfect.

This next card was even quicker, by using a few layers of card stock and then punching the handbags from the Round Tab punch (I used scraps from my box) the handles are punch using Large Oval and Scallop Oval punches and the bag closures are the Word Window punch.
Another simple yet pretty card.

Hope you like them.

Happy Crafting Jayne xxx

Long over due.....

2010-06-30T12:26:00.008+01:00

Hello, Its been far too long since I have done a post, its very naughty of me, life has as always taken over any free time I had and filled it with boring crappy stuff.

The main reason is I now have another part-time job, I started helping my friend out with her shop while she went away on holidaya nd even though she has been back 5 weeks now I have sort of stayed and now do 3 full days on top of running our own business Phew I get so tired by night all I,m good for is bed.

Yesterday I thought it high time I did some crafting and heres what I came up with a gift set of card and gift card holder, I had seen these on many blogs and wanted a try myself.

I used the Flight of the Butterfly stamp set and the beautiful Bella Bleau DSP. Teamed with Bordering Blue card and ink.

Hope you like them I,ve stashed them for my friends birthday next week.

Although I have been busy working, I still managed to get to she my favourite singer Pink,

The girls and I went last year to Birmingham to see her and booked again for this year. She really is an amazing singer and by god does she know how to put on a show. Bloody fantastic and having a night away with my friends in Bolton (of all places) was just what I needed.

I,ll leave you with the lady herself, just a couple of the hundreds I took.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Crafting Jayne xx

Fox & Friends

2010-04-19T11:14:00.005+01:00

Hope everyone had a great weekend, I did but suffered for my Saturday all day drinking session.
I,m getting far too old to drink the amount I still think I can handle, Anyhow here's the new stamp set which I had a real play with this weekend.
Fox and Friends is such a cute set, perfect for all the party's my two get invited to so though I would make a stash of kids cards to have on hand when I am last minute panicking.

I used the gorgeous new paper stack and Stitched felt flowers to add a bit extra to theses cards.

I love this turtle stamp can see him appearing on a lot more cards soon.

Really enjoyed making theses all very basic which made them nice and quick to put together.

Hope you like them as much as me.

Happy Crafting

Jayne xx

Catch Up

2010-04-14T12:32:00.004+01:00

Hello, I,m slowly getting caught up with everything work is nearly up to date and the washing was going well untill the bloody thing flooded the kitchen this morning (still not mopped it up but its tiles so wont damage anything).

Not had chance to photograph the newer stuff I have made which is all new products from the mini my box arrived yesterday and have loved unpacking it all.
So heres some stuff I made a while age for my last workshop.

These were made with the Vintage Labels set, Very Vanilla C/S and some Old olive DSP.
This was the make and take I love this set Baroque Motifs a lovely big image so cards are quick to make with it. Chocolate Chip and Bashful Blue C/S with some lovely Choc chip ribbon.

This card and gift box are in Pretty in Pink C/S with a bit of Tea and Crumpets DSP the flower is from the Bloomin with Beauty stamp set another favourite of mine but then I say that about all the stamp sets.

Right off to mop up the water from the kitchen wish me luck.

Happy Crafting Jayne xx

Jetlag is pants

2010-04-06T11:35:00.002+01:00

Hello, We arrived back Sunday from the best holiday ever had two weeks of fun and glorious sunshine really didnt want to come home, neither did the children especially as they grew quite attached to the pool at the villa, and now our house is boring as there is no pool in the garden.
We did so much and there was plenty we didnt manage to fit in could have spent a month there.
It was a full on holiday with only two days of laying round the pool so were were all shattered anyway, but this jet lag business is awful, didnt know if we were coming or going all day Sunday then yesterday I was the only one up before lunch so needless to say No-one was tired last night and they were both still sat on our bed chatting away at half one this morning, I,ve woke them up at nine today not happy with me but I need them to get back to uk time so I can sleep this off.
Had no time to craft obviously but will post some pics of cards I did before I went away.
Also will be sorting out The candy just need a few more days to get everything in order.
Happy Crafting.
Jayne xx

Su Anniversary Candy

2010-02-23T21:03:00.001Z

I cant believe its been almost a year since I became a Stampin' Up Demonstator, its flown by, I,ve had so much fun, met some fabulous people, and am still loving every minute of it.
To celebrate my first birthday I have a little candy for you, as I will be away on holiday on the 25th of March I will be closing the candy on Sunday the 14th of March, to be in with a chance of winning please leave me a comment and pop a post on your own blog to spread the word.
Many thanks and good luck

This post will remain at the top of my blog until the 14th of March please scroll down for newer posts.

Mojo Monday Challenge

2010-02-23T14:33:00.003Z

Round or Square is the question over at Mojo Monday challenge blog, and although I should really have challenge myself and gone for the round one I choose the square.

A very simple card today as really should be working...

So Saffron card base, Tea and Crumpets paper (which I love) the stamp is from Occasional Greetings stamped in Chocolate Chip and some cute little buttons finished with the ribbon. Simple yet elegant I think.

ppy Crafting Jayne xx

Belle Toile Cards and Proud Mummy

2010-02-20T11:18:00.000Z

I made this card for my friend with the gorgeous Belle Toile stamp its a large back ground stamp is just perfect for making cards quickly with. The Pink Passion looks great teamed with the black and with the filigree brads been the flower center from the flower punch it just looked stunning.

It was Archies friends birthday and he wanted to make her a card, with just a little help from me he made this card with the Flight of the Buuterfly stamp set so cute excuse his hair we had been swimming and he would not get in the shower in case he washed off the tattoo he got after bless.

Thanks for looking

Happy Crafting Jayne x x

Mojo Monday a challenge at last

2010-02-15T18:25:00.005Z

Finally managed a challenge, feel like its been months but really its only been a couple of weeks,
popped on Mojo Mondays and when I first saw this sketch, It didn't appeal to me didn't think i would manage to use it but as its supposed to be a challenge thought I would have a go.
Here's the sketch
And here's my card, I love how you can use different colours on one stamp when you use the markers, I,m loving this stamp set, only had it a couple of days and it was my first play with it.

A lovely bright and cheery colour combo here's what I used.

Card stock; Pretty in pink and Pumpkin Pie

DSP; Sweet Always

Stamp Set; True Friend

Ink Pads; Pretty In Pink and Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Pie ribbon, and all punches used are SU also.

Happy Crafting

Jayne xx

Field Training Swaps

2010-02-09T12:37:00.005Z

I,m very excited today, I,m going to my first Stampin Up field training tonight, its at my fabulous up line Monica's house over near Goole, so not too far to go should hopefully only take me about 40 minuets, but knowing me I,ll get lost. Anyway here's the cards I have made for the swap. I,ve kept them simple as had to make quite a few,
I,ve used the Circle Circus stamp set, and Oval all sentiment, in Basic Grey and So Saffron, I love them and hope they are up to standard tonight.

While I had them out I made some more just swapped the Basic Grey for Rose Red (I love this colour) Same stamps just randomly stamped an a4 sheet of Whisper White and then cut the front panels to size.

Also out of the off cuts I managed to squeeze two more cards, I am not into wasting anything and I think its something that most crafters hate.

Well off to get ready for tonight now got lots to do in the house so its easy for Mike to get the kids to bed and we all know they dont look past their noses for anything so will have to lay all Pj,s and stuff out for him. Bless..

Back tomorrow with some swaps hopefully.
Happy Crafting Jayne x

Flight Of The Butterfly.

2010-02-07T14:37:00.002Z

I love love love this new stamp set its so easy to make beautiful cards with, and having the punch to match just tops it off, especially as I am always pushed for time and tend to stay away from doing anything that requires a lot of cutting out as it takes such a long time to do a good job of it. This is also my first Easel card and am liking these too, think i will be doing a lot more of them soon. Going to my first field training event on Tuesday night really exited about it I,ve got my swaps already just hope they are not too basic. I,m sure they wont be.

All supplies are Stampin Up.

Happy Crafting Jayne x

Bookmark card

2010-02-04T11:41:00.005Z

Hi all, sorry didn't get this uploaded yesterday, had forgotten I,d been volunteered to go on a school trip to Tesco and find out all about their recycling it was quite interesting actually just didn't enjoy been stood in the huge fridges for half an hour.
Then it was my dads birthday cant believe hes actually 67 he acts like a 40 year old but as that would make him only 8 years older than me, it would be odd.
Anyway today's card is an idea I saw on an us blog cant find it now but some of you may have seen it only the front panel on theres was a technique using acetate, didn't have any so thought I would make my own version.
Here's the front view..
The middle with book mark, still attached..

and inside completely opened up with book mark still attached

I love this idea as its a card but also a small gift, very useful and by changing the colours and stamps used could be made for any occasion.

All supplies are Stampin Up except the nesties which are label 2 I think.

Hope you like it

Happy crafting Jayne xx

Stamp With Us

2010-02-02T10:29:00.002Z

The Stamp with Us team have started another round of on-line classes, they are such a talented bunch I love all their projects and have singed up again, but The card today is from their last round which I have only just made this week, think I need to spend more time crafting and less time surfing around the net.
I love this colour combo and the flowers which Monica showed us how to make with the scallop circle punch look great, will def be making a lot more.

All products are Stampin Up except the punched leaves . So cute.
Short post as am off to work but I,m crafting all night tonight so will be back tomorrow with a bookmark card I need to make for a gift.
Happy crafting
Jayne xx

Papertake Weekly and Charisma Cardz

2010-01-14T12:07:00.002Z

Hello, managed to combine another two challenges on today's card, I don't like doing it but their are so many great challenges blogs now that I like to do as many as I can.
Papertake have a sketch to follow and Charisma Cardz are asking to use something 'New'.
My stamp is new and also these scrummy Basic grey papers are only a few hours old as have been out shopping this morning.

Stamp; Magnolia and SU sentiment
Promarkers; Blush, Moss, Cinnamon, Rose Pink, Cool Grey1
Papers; Basic Grey Lemonade Collection
CS;SU Bravo Burgandy
Accessories; Pearls and Coffee Ice Stickles

I,m also entering this for the DT call at Papertake weekly, never been on one before and although its only as a guest for 4 weeks I think it would be great.
Happy Crafting Jayne x

Mojo Monday & Quixotic Challenges

2010-01-12T10:34:00.003Z

My new stamps arrived Yahh. I have 10 yes 10 new images to ink up and play with. Cant wait just need to find the time now.
Managed to combine two more challenges again today, Mojo Mondays was a sketch to follow, and Quixotic challenge was ''Hot Chocolate'' as a theme.
I have kept my card quite simple today as I only have an hour before I have to work. So inconvenient.
Stamps Used; the Greeting farm, and SU Circle of Friendship
Inks;Memento Rich Cocoa, SU Chocolate Chip
Pro markers;Blush, Rose Pink, Cocoa, Cinnamon
Papers; Basic Grey
Card Stock; SU Chocolate Chip
Punches; Martha Stewart, and SU

Happy Crafting Jayne xx

Parents Christmas Crads

2010-01-10T20:50:00.003Z

Good evening, Hope every ones had a nice weekend, we have had a night to ourselves last night and it was bliss, had a curry and watch a film, but the best bit was the sleep in this morning, as Archie's gets up between 5 and 6 every day its bliss to to wake up naturally at 9.

I have completely forgotten to post these pics of the cards I made for both sets of parents for Christmas, didn't want to do it before I had given them the cards and then forgot.
I made them both very similar just changed the poems inside to suit them more personally.
The front ...
The first flap which held the poem ...

And the reverse of the flap which I had included another image on and then the bottom to write our message.

Making two took bloody ages and as I had left it so late ended up been a bit of a nightmare, and I quite gladly shut up the craft room over the holidays, but I seem to have recovered and have just placed a huge order at Funky Kits so will have lots of new rubber to play with soon.

Off to watch Top Gear, back tomorrow.

Happy Crafting Jayne x

2010-01-07T17:59:00.003Z

I,m back with another card which fits two challenges this time, I don,t normally like to mix them but wanted to do both and knew I only had time to make the one card.

The sketch is from the Just Magnolia Challenge blog

And its a colour combo over at Basic Grey Challenge blog.

And this is my card, the blue looks a lot more turquoise than pale but I hope they still let me enter.

Stamp; Magnolia (not sure which had her so long)

Papers; Basic Grey

Colouring; Pro Markers - Rose Pink, Cool Aqua, Cocoa, and Cinnamon
Flowers; Stampin Up Pretties Kit

Punches; Martha Stewart and Woodware

Not made the card for anyone in mind but need to start a stock of a few as I,m always forgetting someone till the day before and have vowed to be more organised this year, or at least try to be.

Happy Crafting Jayne x

Fussy and Fancy New Challenge Blog

2010-01-04T10:28:00.005Z

The first challenge is up over on the Fussy and Fancy challenge blog, This weeks challenge is to use the theme 'NEW' as its a new blog, also to use their blog colours which just happen to be my favourite Pink and Black together.Perfect as I still had all my stuff out from the card I made before Christmas.

I used my new stamp which Ive been wanting to ink up since it came a couple of weeks ago.

Close up of the glitter.

And the inside.

Happy crafting Jayne x

Charisma Cardz Challenge and 1st Birthday

2010-01-02T08:48:00.003Z

Happy New Year to all, Had a great xmas and surprisingly sober New Year, really enjoyed all the time with the kids and family but was in need of some crafting time, so popped over to Charisma Cardz challenge blog its their 1st Anniversary and have loads of prizes for this challenge and a great blog hop with every dt member having their own candy too.
How fab so here's my Celebration card another birthday card the colours are bad as its so dark here all day cant get a good pic.

Tilda stamped and coloured with SU inks, the papers are Basic Grey and the ribbon came on some chocs I got for xmas. Not my best card as have tried distressing the edges of everything which I think will take some practice to get right but still happy with the end card.

Anyone for Anya?

2009-12-18T10:42:00.002Z

Another card made this week, cant believe how many birthdays I have so close to Christmas. This card is for one of my best friends she will be 31 on Saturday and we are having a PJ party at her house. I know we are all way too old to be doing stuff like this but we used to do it for our birthdays when we were kids so we thought we would revive the old and have one more.

I popped over to Anyone for Anya? blog this morning and their challenge is Bling It On.
Perfect for Cats card so here's what I made.
These papers are some more that I actually dug out the loft I found a whole box of craft stuff that's been there since we moved in march, it was like a early Xmas pressie all for me.
Happy Crafting Jayne xx

Charisma Cardz Challenge

2009-12-17T13:18:00.006Z

Morning all, We have had our first snow this morning, the children think its fantastic and are hoping for a white Christmas, I think as we are now living a more rural village we may have a lot more snow than we used to get just a few miles closer to the town. I hope so as I cant remember the last time I had a white Christmas.

I have finally managed to fit a challenge in and as I needed another birthday card Charisma Cardz challenge of Anything but Christmas fit perfectly.
Of course I have used Tilda images and have used papers and card stock from a Doodlebug essentials kit I have had laying round forever.
Here's a few pics.

I love doing these style cards as you get to use two images and also a place for a verse to go as sometimes its nice to have it look more like a traditional shop bought card as in most of my handmade ones I don't put one in.

Hope you like it

Happy Crafting Jayne xx

Cute Birthday Cards

2009-12-16T11:32:00.010Z

I finally managed to take some half decent pics of the cards I made earlier in the week, the first is for my niece she will be 6 next wednesday and is a very girly girl so decided to use a Tilda image for her and obviously the colours had to be pinky.

Even managed to decorate inside

Close up details, so sparkly..

My next card is for a friends daughter, who will be 10 on Christmas day, poor thing having to share her birthday with everyone, as we all get a present or two on her special day, Went with Christmas colours but used muted red and gold. Look at the bling flower centers I love them.

Decorated the inside again. Think it finishes the card.

A nice close up of those sequin centers.

All card stock used is Stampin Up, images coloured with my Stampin up markers and the papers for both cards is Basic Grey not sure which collection don't even think they are from the same one. All the glitter details are using my art glitter sets and a glue pen.

Got some xmas cards to show tomorrow just need to finish one off before I can show you.

Happy Crafting xx

Excuses Excuses

2009-12-15T10:45:00.006Z

I know I,m always full of them, as to why my blog is not updated as often as I should but this time I really have a good one.
My amazing husband (not a name I often call him) surprised us all with a holiday to Fuengorlia, He told me about it the week before we went, not good if you have seen the size of my bum lately, (I think of fat as insulation for the winter).
The weather was glorious and we only had one dullish day, cant believe we were on the beach and swimming everyday at this time of the year.
Heres a few snaps.

I wont scare you all and show any of me in my bikini but we did have a fantastic time and had some great family time together.

Been crafting like crazy to finish all my xmas cards and have a few to show you but the light is so bad cant get good photos at the mo.

I have put a link in my side bar to Bunny Zoes Crafts, Nikki the owner is a fantastic lady and very talented, pop over to her site and have a look at all the gorgeousness thats there. The reason I have linked is the fantastic service I have received when I have ordered each time my order has been dispatched the same day which does not happen often, she stocks everything I NEED and I get it the next day. Who could ask for more.

Papertake weekly challenge

2009-11-06T10:20:00.005Z

Morning all, I have managed another card challenge this week I,m on a roll, I think its because I have end of year accounts to do and am doing anything to avoid it, (naughty me)..

It was a sketch to follow over at Papertake weekly challenge and here it is..

I needed to make a baby boy card for my friend and thought i,d use the sketch for inspration.

You cant see the image very well as have used soft baby colours and also I,m still crap at taking up close pics. The stamps are really cute and its the first time I have used them pretty sure it wont be last as most of my friends are pregnant at the moment.

Supplies Used.
SU Bundle of Joy stamp set,

SU Bashful blue CS,

SU Bashful Blue DSP

SU Bashful Blue ink pad,

SU ribbon

The button was one I cut off an old jumper.

If you fancy joining in pop over some of the DT cards are gorgeous.

http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

Hugs Jayne x

Mojo Monday and Basic Grey Challenges

2009-11-03T13:22:00.007Z

I have finally managed to get some crafting done, seems like ages since I was covered in ink and glitter. The other amazing thing this week is I managed to combine two challenges, which is unusual for me,
Over at Basic grey challenges we have this photo for inspiration.
And at Mojo Monday we have a sketch to follow..

I have had my Anya stamps for nearly two weeks now and not really done anything with them , I had stamped a few to practice colouring with my new Promarkers but this is the first real card I have made with her, and she is so cute.

A few close up arty shots..

I used Basic grey papers from the bitter sweet collection,

SU cardstock in Rose Red,

I coloured the Anya stamped image with SU Stampin write markers in Rose Red, Regal Rose and So Saffron, for her hair I used Cinnamon Promarker and applied another layer over the first to acheive a highlited look and Blush marker for her skin.

I also used ice stickles in Coffee Ice for the glitter dots, the flowers and pearls are from my stash.
Hope you like her.

Hugs Jayne x

A Spoon Full Of Sugar Challenge

2009-10-21T12:08:00.003+01:00

This weeks challenge over at A Spoon Full Of Sugar is a sketch challenge, and as I,m back in full swing with my card making I thought I would join in.
Here's the sketch

And here's my card..

The image I used is a stamp I have had for ages just not got round to using, I seem to say that all the time, maybe it should tell me something. Like I buy way more stash than I can use, but for now I,m choosing to ignore it as I,ve just ordered a load of The Greeting Farm Anya and Ian stamps, they are so cute cant wait to get my hands on them.
I used some papers from the Scarlet Lime July kit and my su card stock and Oval all stamps and punches for the greeting.

Happy Crafting

Jayne

2009-10-13T20:32:00.003+01:00

I made another card today, and I love it, I,m really happy with how it turned out, did,nt follow any sketch or really have anyone in mind for it, so just made it up as I went along.

Could not decide which was the best picture of it so I,m showing you both.

Heres a close up of the glitter detail which you cant really see in the main pics.

I have been seeing so many beautiful vintage or aged styled cards on every ones blogs that I wanted a play myself, I,ve bought lots of distress style stuff but never really got the knack of making them look any good.

I used a Tilda image that someone must have given me, so don't know which one she is, my water colouring pencils to colour her in, and a bit of glitter for her top, I made a cream card blank from my su stash and Basic Grey papers, glue and glitter and a sakura pen for her wings. I then raided my flower pile and stuck them on too. The pink flowers were some of the first flowers i bought so it was nice to finally use them.

Truly Scrumptious challenge 17

2009-10-12T11:43:00.002+01:00

I had some lovely news the other day I was the winner of challenge 16 over at Truly Scrumptious, how fab is that I will be getting a die cut xmas kit from their sponsor Design House Papercrafts. Cant wait for it to arrive.

I have made this card below for their challenge number 17, a great sketch to work with and although I have kept the card really simple I love the result, Hollie has already pinched it for her friends upcoming birthday.

I have a lot more stuff to show you but have Archie off school with a really bad tummy bug, poor little man is so poorly he can hardly talk, which normally would be a blessing as he never shuts up, but I would rather have him talking my ear off than seeing him suffer.

Baxk soon

Jayne x

Picture heavy post

2009-09-23T11:55:00.006+01:00

Thought I should finally get these up-loaded, all the cards I have made over the last few weeks,

First up is a couple of xmas cards, I,m really trying to get as many done before the last minute rush.

I love the felt flowers they really make a huge difference to the look of a card.

I,m not sure where I got this colour scheme from, choc chip and temping turquoise but I like it, This stamp from the Fresh cuts set is so easy to use and really fills the card so you dont need much else for a lovely card, just a length of ribbon and your done.

This was me playing around with my brayer I used a circle punch and a post it note to mask the moon, was,nt the best or neatest but seemed a shame to waste it so stamped the cute characters from Forest Friends set and cut them out, then layered them on, will have to practice a bit more.

I finally got my white embossing powder and though the Baroque Motif large scroll was a perfect starting point, again not my best card a few specks of powder stuck to other areas of my base and you can see them, but who says every card has to be perfect. Just added some more flowers with brads and it finished it off nicely.

I have finally done some scrapbooking and will get the photos on her tomorrow just need to find my camera lead, how I loose it every time must say something about my cleaning up routine...

Truly Scrumptious Challenge

2009-09-17T13:28:00.003+01:00

A quick post to show my entry for The Truly Scrumptious challenge this week there was a sketch to follow and you had to use a minimum of 3 stamps not including the sentiment.
I have had these stamps since the beginning of school break but not inked them till today, she is so cute, might make some more in brighter colours. Hope you like her.

Catch Up.

2009-09-17T10:53:00.005+01:00

Hi all, I cant believe its been so long since I last blogged, its over a month, how naughty I knew I would,nt stick to my plan. Its been such a busy time, the kids going back to school, my birthday, our wedding anniversary, so all in all not had much time to get on here. Thought it was time I made the effort, I have been creating just not as much as I would like.

First is the card I made for my lovely husband, I cant believe its been three years already, they do say time flies when your having fun.

I have some great news the new catalogue from Stampin Up' is out on the 1st of October, I already have my excited hands on a copy and its even better than last years, so many new products I can see me spending a lot. We were lucky to be able to order some new stamp sets that feature in the catalogue and I have used my new favourite set Circle Circus to make a few sneak peeks at it.

I,m loving it and have lots of ideas for the set, its great for so many occasions and I,ve already made a scrap book page with it, which I must photograph so I can share it with you.

I,m off to work now so will be back tomorrow with lots more pics of what I,ve been up too.

Stamp With Us Challenge

2009-08-11T16:03:00.005+01:00

I,ve not done a challenge for a while and had been on the Stamp With Us site as I,m taking their summer classes, and when I saw their challenge this week was to make a Christmas card I decided to join in, I don't know about you, but every year I promise to get organised earlier and send a hand made card to everyone, this has obviously never happened yet, but there has to be a first time for everything and this will be the year, I,m sue of it , well kind of.
Here's my card
I used the Scandinavian Seasons stamp set, Real Red ink and card stock and the dsp is from the Ski Slope pack.
Well that's one card done only another forty odd to go.

Cased Card Monday A Follow On

2009-08-11T15:50:00.003+01:00

I have decided to take my idea on step further and will also create the cased card again but in a colour way of my choice, which should really kick start my mojo, so last night after I,d done the mountain of ironing, I made this card above, the colours are Perfect Plum and Pale Plum, wasn,t too sure if I loved the result but I will be happy to give it too someone so I suppose its okay.

The layout is very simple to follow but the stamping creates almost a water colour effect, my daughter actually thought I,d painted it, bless her she still doesnt get I,m not a natural artist I just know how to cheat a bit.

Cased card Monday

2009-08-10T17:39:00.003+01:00

Hi all, Cased card Monday, is a new idea of mine and hopefully one I will keep up with this time, I have so many great ideas but not many of them seem to last.
What I,m going to try to do is, every Monday do a bit of blog hopping on one of the many that I stalk and find a card I like, and copy it, simple, I,ll then leave a link back to the original card so you too can pop over and have a look, I find other peoples blogs such a good source for inspiration when I,m feeling a bit stuck, and there are so so many talented people out there, its good to share, I hope you all like this idea and why not join in with me.

Heres this weeks card, the original is herehttp://monicas-passions.blogspot.com/2009/03/more-swaps-and-inspiration.html

Monica has such a fab blog, and a favourite of mine although I am a bit biased as she is my up line for Stampin' Up, or my SU mummy as I call her. I have used the same colours as her which was great as I had never used either of them before, and I can honestly say I will be using them again. Hope you try this idea, I know some people dont agree with copying anothers ideas, but personally I love it as imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I,d love it if someone thought that about a card I,d created.

Free Ribbon

2009-08-06T12:21:00.002+01:00

FREE RIBBON

This months special promotion from Stampin' Up is another fantastic offer

You get two, yes two, 9.1 meter reels of ribbon when you place an order of £45.00 or more throughout the month of August. One reel of So Saffron grosgrain ribbon and one reel of Certainly Celery polly twill ribbon, and we can never have too much ribbon can we.
If you are tempted and I know I am, contact me to place your order before the end of August.
I,m off to order mine.

Blomming With Beauty

2009-08-05T12:17:00.009+01:00

I had a marathon stamping session the other day, I was playing around with ideas for a stamp class using this stamp set, I was inspired to buy it after seeing a card on my Stampin Up mums web site, Monica is truly a talented and very kind lady, pop over to her blog the link is in my favourites.
I used the same basics for eacvh card just played around with the colours, and although they are rather dark on here they all look fantastic in real life.

The first was Elegant Eggplant

Elegant Eggplant again different layout.

Using Real Red

Using Real Red and some Real Red Designer Series Paper

Using Taken with Teal

Using Pumpkin Pie

And this is a similar card to the one Monica created, I made it for my Sister in Laws birthday and she loved it (I hope).

One tip I would like to share, as I found out to my great annoyance, when stamping the black spots with the huge dots background stamp, I recommend using your stazon ink pad, I did originally use my black Stampin Up pad but found it took an age to dry and ended up smudging two cards before trying the stazon pad.

Stamps used ; Bloomin' with Beauty, Polka Dot background.

Card Stock ; Whisper White, Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant, Real Red, TakewithTeal,

Pumpkin Pie.

Ink ; Stazon Jet Black, Elegant Eggplant, Real Red, Taken with Teal, Old Olive, So Saffron.

Accessories; Real Red ribbon, Real Red Designer Series Paper, Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch

2009-07-31T10:45:00.005+01:00

Here,s a few random cards that I,ve made over the last week,

The first one was for our friends 30th anniversary, they are a lovely couple and are still very much in love after all this time its great.

This next card was for a friend of my mums who loves flowers so this beautiful stamp worked perfectly for her card.

This card was for a challenge I did can not for the life of me remember which one or when I made it, but found it when looking through my office and used it for my friends daughter.

I love this stamp set, Crazy for Cupcakes, its so cute and the Sweet Always designer series paper is a great match for the set.

My lightbox thingy finally arrived, and having no instructions in the package I went ahead and tried it, as you can see my photos are still rubbish, and now after doing some searching on the net I,ve discovered I,m supposed to shine a light with a day light bulb onto the cube, how was I supposed to know that, anyway I have one on order now so hopefully they will improve soon.

Back later with some cards for my next class.

I,ve Been Busy

2009-07-31T10:35:00.002+01:00

Hi all, had another busy week, It was Archies 4th birthday on Monday and went out for the day to Cruckly Farm, we had a lovely day and after the party the day before it was relaxing to juat walk round and enjoy the few glimpses of sunshine between the heavy showers, What is going on with the weather, all this rain and wind, we even had hailstone yesterday.
Anyway back to crafting, I have lots of cards to show, been working on my next class and have used lots of lovely bright colours. Will pop them on later.

My first class

2009-07-16T11:20:00.005+01:00

I had my first class last night, at the last minute I changed my mind about the class I had planed and instead went for this one,it was great, we all had lots of fun, I,d made a few small mistakes and not cut enough of certain sizes for the packs but it still went well. I hope its the first of many.
We made four cards and a matching card holder,

Heres a close up of the box, still bad pics I,m afraid my light box thingy hasn,t arrived yet

We used the Soft Summer stamp set, and the Oval all stamp set, Tea Party DSP and the colours Pretty In Pink, and Barely Bannana, and of course my favourite punches the Oval and Scalloped Oval.

The cards looked great that the girls made and I forgot to take a photo of them all before they left, one lady had never even cut a piece of card before and could,nt believe how much she had enjoyed herself. Which is a lovely feeling for me, and I hope she carries on now.

It proves the saying that We are all crafters, some of us just dont know it yet.

Sues Blog Candy

2009-07-10T21:07:00.005+01:00

A lovely lady left me a comment on my Daring Cardmakers card, so I popped over to her blog and found this post http://sueskraftykards.blogspot.com/2009/07/99-thingsand-some-blog-candy.html

She has created a game to play to be entered into her 2 year blog anniversary a list of 99 things which she wants to know if we have done yet, so heres the ones I have done from the list

1. Started my own blog

2. Slept under the stars

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland/ world/Paris

8. Climbed a mountain

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (my dad had a small boat when we were young)

14. Taught yourself a art from scratch

16. Had food poisoning (while in Cyprus)

18. Grown my own vegtables (and fruit)

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitched hiked (stupid I know)

23. Taken a sick day when your not ill

24. Made a snow angel

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

41. Sung karaoke

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

57. Started a business

63. Been given flowers for no reason

67. Bounced a cheque

69. Saved a favourite childhood toy

75. Been fired from a job

77. Broken a bone

88. had chicken pox (as a child and also when pregnant with archie)

91. Met someone famous

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

33 out of 99, not many but a lot of things on the list are things I hopefully will fulfill in my life.

I,ve really enjoyed going through the list, I hope you pop over and join in to, just follow the link at the top of this post.

Golden Oldies cards

2009-07-10T10:57:00.005+01:00

A couple of cards that I,ve made with the golden oldies stamp set, My colours were taken from the Stampin up mini catologue, and I think they work well together. The sentiments that come on these stamps are fantastic, and fit the images perfectly, One says 'My mind not only wanders - sometimes it leaves completely' and the other 'I still have a full deck, I just shuffle slower', checky but not too much, I know my Nanna would have laughed if she had received a card with either saying on.

I used

Golden Oldies stamp set,

I coloured them with my Stampin writer pens (ink pads work just as well) ,

Circle of Friendship stamps,

Circle punch and Scalloped circle punch,

Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive card stock,
Chocolate Chip Designer Series paper,

Chocolate Chip Grosgrain ribbon.

Self adhesive gems.

Hope you like them.

Wedding card

2009-07-07T15:50:00.004+01:00

Here,s the other wedding card I made last week for our friends, her wedding colour is green so thought I would co-ordinate the card to her colour scheme.
I used
Doodlebug clear wedding stamps
SU Chocolate chip ink,
Certainly Celery marker to colour the image and sentiment in, which I them went over with
some glitter gel,
SU Chocolate Chip and Certainly Celery card stock.
I Love love love these two together they look great on any type of card.

Hopefully my photos will be improving in the near future as I,ve just ordered a light box which should make a considerable difference in the quality of my pics at least thats the plan, you,ll have to wait and see the therory.

Sketch Saturday Challenge

2009-07-07T15:14:00.003+01:00

Heres another challenge which I liked the look of, Sketch saturday Challenge blog is great for inspiration, they have some very talented ladies on their design team, pop over and have a look you,ll be pleased you did. There was asketch to follow, and with the post being on the 4th you had the option of using red, white and blue for independence day, I knew exactly which papers I was going to use I,ve had them ages, when I first started serial crafting I went mad and ordered tons of Doodlebug stuff and have lots of papers which I,ve never thought of using so they matched this challenge perfectly.

I used a pre made card blank, it was actually left from my wedding invitations,

The Magnolia image was kndly given to me also an age ago,

I coloured her in using Su Real Red and Brilliant Blue ink pads,

Doodlebug papers from the Stars and Stripes range,

Su Real Red and Brilliant Blue card stock,

Su Real Red ribbon,

and two prima flowers.

I,m really happy with this card so bright and cheerful.

Daring card challenge

2009-07-03T12:55:00.003+01:00

Just like buses heres another posts.
I,ve just found a new challenge blog site Daring cardmakers Blog and the theme this week is
Blue and Green should never be seen, So while I had my stuff out I made this quick card up, using of course the Baroque Motif set
So heres my card.

I,ve used Green galore, Brilliant blue, and whisper white card stock, and the same ink pads, a bit of cutting and layering with some sparkly gems, the cherish sentiment is perfect as I,m going to use this as a wedding card for our friends who are flying off to Cyprus tomorrow to get married, I need to do another wedding card for one of Archies pre-school teachers as they are heading off to Gretna Green in the morning for their wedding also. All these weddings and I wont even be getting any cake, how unfair.

Baroque Motif Stamp Class

2009-07-03T11:26:00.007+01:00

It seems I,ve neglected my blogg (again) lately, I just dont seem to find the time to update it as regularly as I would like but I promise I will try harder.
But I have been busy, I,ve had two stampin' Up workshops which were a great sucess and we had lots of fun at both (thank you ladies), Its lovely to be able to get together and spend some time stamping with friends its a bit like therapy only better.
I have also been busy getting ready for my first stamp class which is next week so if anyone would like to join us (I,m in Swanland near Hull) you would be more than welcome, I,m holding the first few at home and hopefully will get enough people to start having them in our local village hall.
Heres a few of the cards which we will be making, I apologise for the horendous photography I have just ordered a light box which should make my pics better as you really cant see the colours properly and no amount of adjusting will make them any better.

We will be using the Baroque Motif stamp set, it really is my favourite set to work with at the moment and so versatile I,ve even just made some christmas cards with it. I know its only July but I,m trying to avoid the mad November rush and get most of them done early.

I,ve used the colours Chocolate Chip and Bashful Blue, I think they work perfectly together, some Chocolate Chip Patterns designer series paper, coloured brads and the beautiful Rhinestone brads to add a bit of sparkle, the flowers were white small primas which I have had for ages and I used my Stampin write marker in Bashful Blue to colour them to match my colour scheme. Theres a few more cards in the class and I,ll post full pictures when we,ve had it.

So if anyone would like to join us please contact me on mailto:jayne@carroll33.karoo.co.uk I would love to see you.

Uk scrappers June week 3 challenge

2009-06-17T12:43:00.006+01:00

Completly forgot to post a picture of my entry for the weekly challenge over on Uk Scrappers, I,ve not done a challenge for ages and thought it was about time I made an effort as part of a team I need to made a contribution to the points each month and mine have been fewer and fewer each month, and also as it was a sketch challenge it makes scrappin a whole lot quicker for me. I have so many photos that I,ve had developed (seriously I have two carrier bags full of prints) and seem to never have the time to scrap anymore, that I really enjoyed myself I used Basic grey Phoebe papers, and letter stickers a MLS journalling cloud and my new favourites some grunge board shapes with the Adironic paint dabber, both great products.

Bacjk from hols

2009-06-17T12:31:00.003+01:00

We have all arrived back from our holidays, Mike has been away playing golf up in Scotland with a group of lads, they go every year and have done since before I got with him, so thats how he justifys spending a whole heap of money and a week away from us all, (actually I dont mind as its sometimes nice to have a bit of a break), while he was away Mum and I took the kics back to Center Parks I know we go a lot but they love it, and its so relaxing and peaceful there that we love it too.

We had an amazing villa all bedrooms had en-suites (i,m stuggling having to share again), a jaquzzi and an outside sauna, all this on top of lovely surroundings made it a great break, but now were all back we have lots to catch up on with work and lots of work still to do on the new house, although its not that new now, we need to get stuck in.

I.m organising a ribbon share very soon so will be back with details later in the week, if you are interested in joining please either leave a comment or E-mail me on jayne@carroll33.karoo.co.uk.

Bye x

My Little Shoebox Rocks

2009-06-04T13:58:00.003+01:00

I told you it would,nt be long before I had something else to show you, It was so much fun looking through all the stash, Myself and Hollie got so excited that Archie thought we were crazy, men just dont always get it do they?.
My photo really is crap and the colours dont sparkle like they do in real life, but you get the idea, I really must learn how to use Photoshop I,ve had it years now and still dont know where to start with it.
The photo of Hollie was taken in the Dominican 5 years ago, she looks so small, cant believe we have never been back since, Mike used to go every year, but children dont behave too well on 10 hour flights so are waiting till Archies a bit older, and can at least play a ds all the way.

I used various papers from their Who,s There range and I cut out a flower from a Overlay and used stickles to add some glitter. They are so versatile I think I,ll be purchasing more colours soon. I love this l/o and am going to put it on my office wall to brighten it up a bit.
Back soon. x

Card holder and cards

2009-06-03T12:05:00.010+01:00

Hi there, I have another picture heavy post, but at least its crafting stuff today, I had seen an article in The Craft Stamper magazine a while ago, it was one of the first things that sparked an interest in Stampin Up products, for me, and although I,ve not used their papers, ( I,m just waiting on some arriving), the rest of the products used are theres. The article was a card holder similar to the one I made but as I dont have the magazine anymore I,ve improvised and made my own ideas fit.
Heres a pic of the holder

and a peek of it open,

and some close ups of the cards

I love the colours together, not used pinks and oranges together before but the orange is quite yellow(IYKWIM), and look great.

The paper is Doodlebug asterix,

Stamp set, One of a kind Stampin Up' and Oval all Stampin Up'

Punches, Oval and Scalloped Oval

Hogepogde Hardware Brads also Stampin Up'

and some Prima Flowers and some pink ribbon from my stash.

The set looks really cute and will make a lovely thank you gift for my friend who is having Mia while I take the children to Center Parks next week.
I,ve just received a huge box of My Little ShoeBox stuff so going to have a great time with it all tonight. I,m sure I,ll have something else to show soon.

2009-05-29T13:06:00.008+01:00

Dear bloggers I,ve been very bad at keeping up on here, just been so busy at home, with work and also the children been off school has left no time for much else.
I have managed a bit of scrapping and will post some pics when I finally get round to taking pics of them.
I really wanted to share some photos I took on Monday, our old neighbour and friend had told me of a walk that is literally ten minutes from our new home so we went off to investigate and were amazed by how beautiful it was its a 3 mile path through forests and fields with lots of nature and stunning views along the way. Through out the walk there are a number of gates to stop people going along the trail on motorbikes, which gave Archie the perfect chance to practice his favourite hobby
Climbing, this boy climbs anything and everything
he was in his element.

Poor Mia was most un-impressed at having to

stop walking and wait at every gate.

I took so many photos ( Mike actually called me a tourist) just wanted to show you a few, and to prove you dont have to travel far to get away from everything, We would never have found it without been told as it starts next to a farm and looks like your walking into no-where but it was a lovely day and I can def say we will be going back soon.

Growing up so fast

2009-05-01T14:39:00.003+01:00

My baby boy is going to be 4 at the end of July, and will be starting school in September, I cant believe how fast time passes, it seems like only yesterday he was this tiny bundle of sweet smelling joy, and now hes an independent little man who knows his own mind, and also knows how to get what he wants. We had our introduction meeting at the school last night, and it wasn,t until I got home and had tucked him up in bed that it hit me. He is going to be one of the youngest in the year group, and although I know hes ready (and at times I am too) for the stimulation of a school environment, I just hope hes emotionaly ready, besides the fact he cant do 9 of the 12 things hes supposed to be able to do by the time he starts, we have a lot of work to do over the summer. So all the times I have sat and thought to myself I wish he would stop acting like a baby and grow up, now have a different meaning.

So to all mums out there, I know they are sodding hard work and sometimes we wish the day away and cant wait for bed time to roll around, lets enjoy them while we can, before they are turned into scruffy, snotty school boys (hes half way there already) when their teachers become the person who acording to them knows everything and they start having a life away from us mums.

2009-04-28T15:35:00.004+01:00

Its been a while since I last posted as I,ve been so busy, why does life seem to take up so much of my crafting time ?
Over on http://fridaysketchersblog.blogspot.com/ this weeks challenge sketch caught my eye, I,ve used the site for inspiration before ( they have all old sketches together), but this is the first time I,ve entered a card I,d stamped a load of Tildas months ago when Hollie and I were having a craft afternoon and I love this image she looks so cute I wanted to make a card with her for my friends 30th birthday so heres the sketch

and this is the card that I made..

Once again the photo is pants but Monica sent a link to a great tip on taking better pictures of my finished projects, I just need to find the time to read it.

I love the bright colours of this card they really stand out just a shame you cant really see it.

2009-04-16T15:42:00.004+01:00

This exploding mini book, has taken me ages to finish, I started it just after xmas, but with the move and everything else, I,ve just not had time to put the finishing touches to it.

It uses 2 12x12 sheets of cardstock and can hold lots of small photos of one occasion, so as I always take loads of pics on christmas day I made it my theme for this album, I used DoodleBug papers and cardstock stickers, and the large ribbon was off a box of chocs that I had received as a gift,(I knew my hoarding would come in handy), and the rest of the ribbon is from Papermania I think.

You cant see very well but there is 6 little tags pushed behind the pockets of the paper.

Just need to pick from the hundereds of pics I have now then I can complete it.

Hope you all like it.

2009-04-15T14:16:00.004+01:00

I made this album for my friends birthday, its so hard to find a present that actually means something to the person its for, especially when the girl in question has more than enough acessories and hand bags (although a girl can never have enough) her tastes have changed for the finer and more expensive brands and the latest chloe bag was way out of my budget so I thought why not make her something, I,ve made a few paperbag albums now but never given one away, and I really loved the finished book, luckily she loved it too, the colours are very her and she has already put some photos in so I,m pleased she loved it as much as I did.
Heres a couple of the pages,

I,ve been busy entertaining the kids while they are off school, so not had time to do much in the way of crafting but I have lots of ideas I want to get on with, just need to find the time.

I,ve signed up for the on-line classes over on Stamp With Us, and I,m also waiting to hear when the next Art From the heart class is, they look great fun and it would be bliss to have a full day creating. Cant wait.

2009-04-06T11:55:00.003+01:00

Morning all, The first challenge is up over on Stamp with us, this week it was a sketch to follow,
I like sketch challenges it gives you an easy starting place, heres my card, Monica had sent me some lovely papers and card when I signed up to become a demonstrator and I knew they would be perfect for this challenge, I used a stamp from the Botanical Blooms, and my new favourite things the Stampin Pastels.

Once again my bad photo makes it quite hard to see the delicate colours, but I,m really happy with it, I still need to photograph the box and cards I made to go into the box but will get round to it soon.

I have a house full of children today, so wont get much crafting done but theres always tonight...

Using my Stampin Pastels

2009-04-03T14:52:00.004+01:00

This is my first attempt using the Stamin' pastels, I,ve never really used pastels or chalks, and was unsure of how to do so, but you learn by your mistakes, and I made a few with this card I actually messed the first one up, I did want to make a square card, but I ended up having to trim it down, but for my first go with pastels I,m really quite pleased with it, they give a real muted depth of colour and I can see me using them a lot more, just need a few more finger daubers as they really are the best way to apply.
I used the Garden Whimsy stamp set, the butterflies are so pretty, and how cute is the little snail, I think he would good on a penny slider card, actually think I might have a go at making one next.
I,ve also just signed up for the on-line classes over at Stamp with us (to visit just click on the blinkie to the right), I do fancy going on their retreat, but dont know if I can really afford to go, and Hollie is away at her first brownie camp that weekend so I might even get ropped in to help with that.
Back later x

One of a Kind

2009-04-02T11:24:00.002+01:00

I,m loving all the goodies in my kit, I made this yesterday, using the One of A Kind stamp set, its a shame I,m so useless with my camera that you cant really see how pretty the colours are together, I think up to now my fav colour has to be the gable green, it just goes with any other colour you put it with.

I made a lovely scallop edged box to hold some more cards I made last night while hubby was out watching the England match, will have a go at taking some photos and pop it on later

The new Stampin' Up! catalogue is live

2009-04-01T10:06:00.002+01:00

I have some exciting news the new mini catalogue is now live there is some beautiful new stamp sets in there so make a drink and have a look, to view the mini click on the picture at the top the page, Have fun browsing and to place an order just drop me a e-mail and I,ll be happy to help.
Back soon x

Stampin' up! starter kit

2009-03-31T17:40:00.004+01:00

My kit has arrived, its soo exciting, so much stuff to play with, its great.

The first card I have made with it is for a special persons birthday, my up-line Monica, its her birthday tomorrow and I thought it very fitting to send her my first card (although I,m going to make another one for my samples), Let me know what you think, its very basic just a little embellishment with the ribbon, I normally use lots of bling but just wanted to use what was in the kit. I hope she likes it.

The first uk mini catalogue is been launched tomorrow by Stampin' Up! so I will pop a link on so you can all have a look through, if anything takes your fancy, or you would like some more information on any of the products please contact me on jayne@carroll33.karoo.co.uk.

Having a crafting night tonight so will post the results on here tomorrow.

STAMPIN UP DEMONSTRATOR

2009-03-26T10:54:00.005Z

Hi everyone, I have some fantastic news, I am now a Stampin Up Demonstrator, I am so excited about it, My up-line Monica is a wonderful lady and has helped me acheive my dream to work doing something I truly love, doing, stamping and creating have been such a big part of my life since having the children, I,ve used it as my little escape time, kind of like therapy, (only cheaper, well probably not since I spend so much on stash). I,m really looking forward to my demo,s kit arriving, it should hopefully be with me Monday, and then I can have a good play with all the lovely stamps , and get creating some cards and scrapbook pages.

I have lots of work to do, so please pop back in the next week or so to see what I have planned for the next few weeks.

2009-02-13T21:39:00.002Z

Just got back from a fantastic show, Mum took Hollie and me to see Fame the musical at Hull New Theatre, it truly was fantastic, the whole cast were amazing dancers and the lead male dancer was fit as in more ways than one, it amazes me how they dance like that twice a day for weeks on end, and still put the passion into it. Needless to say we were all up dancing at the end of the show. We then hot footed it to Pizza Hut for tea, and I can highly recommed the pasta dishes we all really enjoyed them. Its been a long night and were all shattered, but I,ve just realised I,ve still not made dh a valentines card so will have to get to work fast as its officially valentines day in about two hours. Will post a pic on when and if I managed to make one.

ITS SNOWING

2009-02-12T17:06:00.005Z

I have just taken this on our way home from school, it is truly snowing 'heavens high' it started earlier this afternoon, and its coming thick and fast, the best bit for the kids is its laying not too good for me as I have to drive through it.

We had a snowball fight on the front of our house, I,m sure the neighbours must think I,m mad, but I dont care. Hollie is a good aim now and managed to get lots down the back of my coat, it was freezing, and one right on my freezing ear, I did get her back but was enjoying throwing stuff at her way too much and reminded myself she is only 9.

Anyway, hope your all having fun in the snow if you have any, and remember your never too old to make a snowman or throw a few snowballs, go on it feels good.

First xmas lay out

2009-01-26T13:46:00.003Z

This is my first l/o in ages, and as most of my scrapping stuff is packed and ready to move, I,ve tried my hand at digital had photoshop elements for ages but never really got to grips with it, so have been having a play around with it, this l/o is very basic but its giving me some much needed practice, I,m not the most computer literate of people so having to learn a whole new language is quite hard work. Anyway, this photo is our of one of our family traditions we have a carpet picnic on christmas eve, all of us sit in the front room on the carpet and start to get very excited about a certain someone paying us a visit.

2008-10-22T15:02:00.003+01:00

Heres another lay-out I made for a challenge over on UKScrappers, We had to use a title from any Bee Gees song, 3 of something, the colour blue, and I cant remember the rest of the rules, but another lovely l/o. I got full points for my team the Dithering Divas. I used the lovely wedding papers 'la boutique' from K & Co they really are beautiful and it took at lot for me to cut them up but I do buy them to use and not just look at..

2008-10-20T12:20:00.003+01:00

Cant believe its been this long since I posted on here, various reasons mainly time or lack of it.

Not scrapped as much as I have surfed seem to spend most of my time clicking around UKScrappers, theres so much on there and have made some great friends, crafting girls are so friendly.

The picture above is of this weeks challenge on UKS we were given a sketch to follow and some rules, a outdoor picture, autumnal colours and to use ten of something. I,m really pleased with my l/o, and I got to use my first GoGo create kit which was crammed full of beautiful strokable stash. Got lots more ideas for this kit so will share with you when got them finished.

2008-09-12T18:57:00.000+01:00

Hi, been a while again but busy, busy, busy here, had loads going on and not stopped for breath.
I,ve signed up for a on-line scrapbooking class from Shimelle called My Freedom, its fantastic a very different approach to how I normally scrap, which is a good thing as my style is a very basic, non arty approach and this will def make me stretch myself, our first prompt and subject is all about Time hence the picture of the clock above, its really made me think about how I spend my time , be it free time or work time, and the time I have no choices in. All in all a great class I highly recommend it. Will be posting my first l/o,s when I finally manage to do one.

2008-08-29T21:05:00.000+01:00

Hi, made my first page for my book of me, finally, been meaning to start this project for ages but didn,t know where to start, going to do the pages then put them in order as have so many photos to go through yet that would never get any scrapping done.
This little beaut of a picture is my brother and I think I,m about 6 or 7 not to sure as mum never labelled any pics. Anyway hope this is the first of many.

I have just signed up for the Magnolia Tilda stamp club, yipee, cant wait for them to arrive, but have no idea when they will as no dates were given and the site is mainly in Swedish (I think it was Swedish) so could be anytime.

2008-08-27T22:41:00.000+01:00

Finished my week 4 challenge for the UK Scrappers challenge, been doing lots of scrapping today, really caught the bug again. I loved doing this L/O its a picture of my late Grandparents on my Grandads 80th birthday, we nicknamed him the king, cant really remember why but it stuck. His cake was a huge chocolate crown it really was fabulous. It was quite emotional scrapping this picture but all the memories are happy ones, they really were a big part of my childhood and I miss them deerly.

2008-08-23T08:55:00.000+01:00

Hi cant believe its been a week since I last posted.

The main reason is I have joined a team on UK Scrappers, its a fantastic site and I have become a regular on there. Our new team is called the Dithering Divas, and I have been made Team Leader, quite a scary prospect but up to now really enjoying chatting and getting to know my other yteam members, although I can see it becoming expensive as they have already directed me to some new stamps which I might have to purchase.

We have taken part in our first weekly challenge and here is my attempt.

Hoping to do the Magnolia Tilda Challenge tomorrow so will show you my results soon.

2008-08-16T21:38:00.000+01:00

Made this card today, for my dh friends wedding, really getting back into stamping again at the moment and enjoyed making the card although I,ve not gone to the wedding been left babysitting for our and a friends children, didn,t mind really it ment I could update on here again, and I won,t be dying with a hangover tomorrow.

I have managed to find a local scrapbooking crop which I,m really looking forward to attending, but the next one is September the 6th so have a while to wait. Just have to fill my time card making until then.

I know its only August, but this year I have made a vow to send only hand made christmas cards so I really must get started soon.

Going to do some stamping now might dig out my christmas ones from last year.

Back soon.

2008-08-15T16:14:00.000+01:00

Hi all, been a few days now but joined UK Scrappers and became addicted quickly,made some new crafting friends and been adopted by a lovely lady who is showing me the ropes.

I have finally got round to making my first Magnolia Tilda card, it,s for my mother in laws birthday. I used my new watercolour pencils and really enjoyed making the card.

I think I need a lot more practice with the watercolours .

Anyway, been hard to find time to craft with the kids off school (still). Seems like months ago they broke up and still got about a month left before they go back.

We spent a lovely but very wet day at the beach in Hornsea, had a few funny looks of people when we were all playing on the sand in the pouring rain, but we were soaking wet anyway so might as well enjoy the beach while we were there.
I took Holl to see Space Chimps on Monday, it was fantastic, I enjoyed it as much as her, and was lovely to spend some quality time just me and her.

ORIENTAL ALBUM

2008-08-08T20:55:00.000+01:00

Enjoyed another shopping trip with my daughter and purchased the oriental themed papermania box set which is fantastic you get so much in it, needless to say a crafting marathon followed, we decided on a paper bag album, which is another of my current favourite things to make at the moment. really pleased with the results and it was lovely to spend some quality time with my daughter just the two of us for a change. Heres some pics of the finished album.

MAGNOLIA TILDA STAMPED IMAGES

2008-08-06T19:50:00.000+01:00

Hi
Just received a batch of Magnolia Tilda stamped images and cant wait to get started with them>
I also bought today some watercolour pencils which is something I have wanted to try for ages and not got round to.
So any tips on using them would be much appreciated.
It would also be great to see any creations you have made using theses stamps, I really need to work more to find more money to buy more of theses gorgeous stamps.
I will put some pictures on as soon as I have made them.
Bye for now