Karen's beautiful Birthday card

Good Monday Morning Ladies,

I hope that you are all well and ready for another week, not sure what the weather has in store for us, as long as it isn't too cold.

Today's card is one of Our Karen's commissioned cards from one of her colleagues, the card was for a chap that doesn't 'do' ''slushy romantic' cards.  Aa usual Karen made a perfect card for the occasion, using one of those new 'Paper Cuts' Edger Dies from the lovely Sue Wilson, there are a few different ones in the range, Karen is waiting for the 'Happy Birthday' one to come back into stock as that would be perfect for quick and easy birthday cards.
For this card Karen has matted a pretty background paper onto a white card base, it's a pretty pink paper with the tiniest hearts all over it, a perfect design for a card that needs a little bit of romance without being too over the top!  Karen has printed the Greeting onto the top layer of white card and then die cut it with the Paper Cuts die, Karen then simply adhered it to that pretty background card.
Such a perfect card Karen, I love that Font you have used too.
Thank you so much for sharing your card with us Karen, I just know that both your colleague and his Girlfriend will absolutely love your card. xxx

We had our first day out since I started to feel unwell yesterday, we travelled to meet Paul's family in Birmingham, we met for lunch and then went back to Pauls sisters for a cup of tea and cake as it was an early celebration of Paul's mums birthday. It was lovely to see everyone but boy was I flagging after a couple of hours, I was glad to see my bed when we got home and it was only 7pm! Having said that I was up at 2 and 4am feeding lambs which didn't help.
It seemed odd not celebrating mum in laws birthday with Mothers Day this year, I think its the first time that they have been a full week apart, unless I am going mad, Mother's Day isnt usually on the 31st of March.

I hope that whatever you are all up to today you have a lovely one,

Love and hugs to all of you,

Sandra
xxxxxx

Your 'No Die' Cards

Good Morning Ladies,

Now I will be honest, I did think that you might not find this Challenge as easy as some of our others but Oh My Goodness, have you proved me wrong!!  20 cards is just incredible, I cannot thank you enough, it's so lovely seeing all the different techniques that you have used on your cards and to see you going back and using some of your older products...Janet I have that same 'Steampunk' Kanban Kit, I can even vividly remember the shows that they did to launch it, where they shared some amazing sample projects for inspiration (that I totally forgot about by the time I got my kit), I think I have used about 2 or 3 pieces out of the whole kit!  Thankfully though Steampunk just hasn't lost it's appeal, so the cards made with the kit look as fresh today as they did way back when (it has to be a good 7 years ago at least)!

Anyway I have waffled enough,  I would like to draw your attention to Karen's Challenge card and just bare in mind that Karen isn't an 'experienced stamper!! it's incredible..!!!!

Janet

Even though Janet made no die cards for last week's challenge she still managed another three for this weeks!! You are amazing Janet..

My first card - I used Steam Punk images by Kan Ban which I have had for years.The base card/edgings/birthday wishes are from my stash.The card is a gatefold in shape.

My second card is made from images by 'Acid Drops & Whatnots2014'. Again these images I have had for a few years in my stash drawer.

My last card is from 'Craft U Print' again this image I have had for years.

3 fantastic cards again this week Janet, thank you so much for taking part xxx

Karen

Karen, I am lost for words!! I cannot believe that you can go from "not really being a stamper" to creating a card this Stunning! I love everything about your card Karen, the stamped image is amazing, your background is blended to perfection!! Then we come to the colouring of the stamped images...again perfect!!  I am blown away my lovely, you must be buzzing after producing such a incredible card!!

Here’s a cc No laptop at all!

Background = blended DO Fossilised Amber, Carved Pumpkin, Abandoned Coral

2x Woodware stamps

Coloured with Chameleon pens and a white marker I found As image is quite stylised/whimsical no shading needed

Quite pleased with a “proper” attempt at stamping and colouring.

Thank you so much Karen for a stumning card. XXX 

Lilian

Lilian you keep tempting me with  these amazing Stamperia papers, the image you have used is such a lovely one, I love the decoupaged Hot Air Balloons, the complete view is just breath taking, I really want some of these papers, I have seen them on a few websites.

" My card was made from a sheet of paper from one of my Stamperia pads. Fussy cut the hot air balloons and the rope."

Thank you so much for taking part Lilian,  I hope that you start to feel better soon my lovely XXX 

Lynda

4Gorgeous cards from Our Lynda again this week, the first two using masks and gorgeous shades of Sparkle medium and the third is the most amazing image that Lynda has added sequins too, the fourth card is  stamped and embossed and coloured beautifully...

Card Number 1:  A clarity mask with texture bronze paste

Card Number 2:  A clarity mask with texture Aqua paste

Card Number 3:  Picture from Internet, Just added sequins

 Card Number 4:  Daisy B stamp floral dreams lady added sequins

Thank you so much Lynda for four incredible cards, you are so inspirational XXX

Margaret 

Two lovely cards from Margaret for this weeks challenge, using just pretty papers  and some matting and layering. The main image on the second card has been fussy cut (which is so time consuming and requires a steady hand and lots of patience).

The paper on the first card was from 'Every cards A pound', so pretty for a £1 paper pad.

I can tell you how fantastic that first card is as it is sat in my craft room, thank you Margaret for taking part and sending me a lovely card. XXX 

Maria

Maria has used two completely new techniques for her Challenge cards this week, now I don't usually 'do fairies'  but these ones are quite different, I love the amount of detail including the long wavy hair and those super delicate wings.

Maria made her first card  'topper' at Ally Pally at a Make & Take stand, Maria used that topper to make her lovely card.

Maria's second card was made by using the 'Shaving Foam' technique to create the background, which is fantastic, she then used a Mask with some 'Grit paste'  to create the flowers, stamping the sentiment after.

So inspirational Maria, thank you so much for sharing two fantastic techniques, I love that so many of you are stamping now!  XXX

Michele 

Michele's 5 cards are all made using CD Rom's or Digital Downloads from Ella's Deigns Downloads, the thing I love the most is how amazingly everything matches, the floral design cards we saw when we launched the challenge last Friday, I think that you all loved them as much as I did, agreeing that they don't look like they are printed images.

The other three cards are all just perfect, the papers are STUNNING, such pretty florals mixed with gingham and stripes, or polka dots that match perfectly with the main image come together to create such incredibly professional looking cards, I just know that these will fly off your sale table Michele.

Thank you so much for taking part in the challenge and for helping by sharing cards to inspire our friends. XXX

Val

Val has used a sweet 'Happy Birthday' Topper that features the most amazing cake, she has then designed a background that suits any Nine year old girl perfectly, with some pretty background papers in beautiful pink tones and then that amazing touch of sparkle coming from that punched border that has been embellished with little pearl flowers.

Some little girl is going to have a huge smile when she opens that on her birthday Val, thank you so much for taking part in our challenge this week. XXX

Thank you all my Dear Friends, for taking part in this weeks 'No Die' Challenge, I would also like to thank you for your patience while I have been unwell, I am hoping to resume 'normal service' next week.  Although the lambs are taking up quite a lot of my time, not that I am complaining, I can't for a sunny day so that I can watch them frolicking around the back garden.

Have a lovely Sunday Ladies,

Love and Hugs

Sandra

xxxxxxx

Mixed Up Saturday/Michele Mag Review

Good Saturday Morning Ladies,

I hope that you are all well and enjoying your weekend.

Our first craft Project this week is the amazing Mixed Media Panel above that has been beautifully made by our Janet, I love that Stencil you have used Janet, which is a Clarity Stencil designed by Leonie Pujil, its such a beautiful image, I love how you have used different mediums to add depth and texture to your panel Janet, the flowers, butterfly and pearl embellishments really add a touch of luxury and bring the piece to life.

Thank you so much for sharing it with us all my lovely. xxx

Danielle was sent a Table Place card die to make so samples with last weekend and this fantastic gift bag is just one of the projects that she came up with, she never ceases to amaze me, I would have never thought of that in a million years.  I think that the colour and luxury card that you have used make it look proper classy Danielle, thank you for allowing me to share it today. xxx

Next up we have Michele's fantastic magazine review...…..

Michele's Magazine Review

Hi Ladies,

Papercrafter magazine has a cute set of Dies this month-you might recognise the foliage Dies as I used them on last weeks challenge card!

Just look at the different cards you can make using the free gift.

Diecutting Essentials has a great free gift this month-Paris in the springtime.

The first feature using the free gift show is quite a variety of cards.

The second feature shows us how to use this free gift on paper craft projects other than cards. Perfect for weddings.


There’s a great feature on Partial Diecutting which is explained very well.  Also there’s a brilliant feature on Easter cards-making the most of your stash to create some lovely cards. 

That’s all until next week. 
Happy Crafting


Thank you so much Michele for another fantastic review, I do love those Paris dies, I am very tempted!! xxx

Well ladies I am hopefully now on the road to recovery, my Liver readings are on their way back down to normal and my body is starting to fight back and recover, I think that the evidence points to the Bisoprolol as the reason for the bad reaction, although they did say that it was not a 'normal' common side effect, we have to decide now whether to try it again with bloods either side or just try something different, I think I will opt for the latter as I don't ever remember feeling that unwell, so not willing to chance it returning.  

I have had to make a speedy recovery as we have three orphaned lambs warming by the aga, having feeds every two hours, which by the time you have worked your way around all three and washed bottles doesn't leave you a lot of time.  They were super poorly to start with so fingers crossed they will start to gain strength.  It has reminded me of when Sophie and Lucy were babies, non stop feeds and nappy changes!

You can guess what my weekend will involve, I hope you have a good one.

Love and hugs to all,

Sandra
xxxxxxx

Your Challenge Theme for Next week Commencing Monday 25th march

Good Morning Ladies,

Thank goodness it's Friday, I hope that you are all ready for the weekend!

Cheryl's Child Card Challenge

Our lovely Cheryl came up with the theme or this weeks challenge while she was sat catching up with her card making for friends and family.

The theme that Cheryl has picked is, I believe something Brand New for us to try, which is very exciting, so here we go...….

Your theme for next weeks Challenge is …..Make a Card for a Child

You can choose any style, size and colour for your card, you can use whatever you materials you like, there are no restrictions at all.

I can't wait to see all of your designs, I hope you enjoy the challenge as the most important rule is that you have fun making your cards.

Thank you so much Cheryl for choosing a fantastic theme for our challenge xxx

Well Ladies, I hope that you all have a lovely weekend,

Love and hugs to all of you,

Sandra
xxxxxx

Pat's fantastic Floral Groovi card

Good Morning Ladies,

I hope that you are all well, we are on the run down to the weekend now so that's a reason to smile😁

Today I want to share with you this beautiful card from Pat, it features some very intricate Groovi work, Pat has created a gorgeous pattern that involves using your piercing tool to cut out those tiny crosses, it's just so intricate Pat I don't know how you do it, I would be far too heavy handed for anything as delicate as that.  Pat has placed her piece of Groovi work over a coloured Background and then added that beautiful frame that she gets from her friend at the Groovi class she goes to in Abingdon, the lovely lady designs the frames and then creates the patterns to fit perfectly inside the frames and then feature room in the centre for you to add your own embellishment.
Pat has added a pretty flower, now I am not sure if that pink flower is made of pink card that has been embossed to highlight its details or If it is one of those embellishments that has the same texture as those pink shrimp sweets, I think that those ones are made from paper clay, Sue and I made some embellishments a year or so ago using Paper Clay and the results were similar looking.
Pat has popped a simple button into the centre of the flower and that button really gives the flower 'life', I love the colour contrast Pat.
Thank you so much for sending your card in for me to share with our friends Pat xxx

I hope that you all have a lovely day,

Love and hugs

Sandra
xxxxxx

a Bright and cheerful card

Good Morning Ladies,

Well I did eventually manage to get into my craft room yesterday afternoon, I needed to make my Notelets for the swaps over on the fb group, so I made myself go and sit in there until they were done.

I then made this card too which was on the same theme as some of the Notelets.

I embossed a piece of Melon Mambo card with the Lace Dynamic Embossing folder, then to highlight some of the detail I used a dauber and added a little Spun Sugar Distress Oxide across the raised areas.  To create a base for my Butterflies to sit I stamped the largest Doily from the Dear Doily Stamp set, I used Perfect Medium to stamp with and added an Opal Mica powder to give a subtle pattern in the background.  Before I adhered the doily I added a piece of the White Dotted Tulle ribbon across my card and then put the die cut vellum piece on top.

I stamped one large and 2 small butterflies from the Beauty Abounds stamp set, I stamped first onto white card that I had blended some Spun Sugar Distress Oxide ink onto, using Melon Mambo ink and the repeated but stamping onto Vellum, to create an extra layer of wings for my butterflies.

I arranged the butterflies onto my card and added some sparkles to them all.

The sentiment is one of Sue Wilsons and I die cut it twice out of white card inked with Spun Sugar Distress Oxide ink.

I hope you like my card.

Believe me, when I had finished the card and notelets I was ready for a lie down, I am getting so frustrated at both the pain and feeling so unwell, but never mind.

Paul came home with a lovely gift from a lady that he works with, it was a jigsaw puzzle, she said that it would hopefully help keep my mind off of Google!!  So thoughtful, I must make a thank you card for her today.

That's all from me today my lovelies, Thank you all so much for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, I really appreciate it.

Love and hugs to all of you,

Sandra

xxxxxx

Gorgeous Swap Notelets from the lovely Steph Stoker

Good Morning ladies,

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and wishes yesterday, I am not going to lie, the blood test was horrible (not that they are ever nice)!  I have asked both times for her to use the Butterfly needle as it always works first time, but they never listen, she got in eventually and had prepared me by saying 'i'm really sorry I am going to have to take rather a lot of blood from you today''  it was 6 bottles in all.  But I guess that they are checking for everything. 

Then I get the phone call for my Urgent Scan, its a week on Wednesday!! How on earth is that urgent?! I will be a gibbering wreck by then!

Anyway on to pretty things....

Today I am sharing some perfectly timed 'Happy Mail' with you, over on our FB channel Danielle and I run a monthly swap, this month the swap is  'A set of Notelets'' and these gorgeous Vintage designs are from the lovely Steph Stoker, this is her first venture into Vintage style cards but you would never guess that.  She made a beautiful card that matched the Notelets beautifully, it features the cutest little girl and boy on a lovely vintage background.

The Notelets have the same theme, all lovely vintage/shabby chic designs with lots of detail.  Steph even went to the trouble of making matching Vintage envelopes too.

Thank you so much for a gorgeous swap Steph, it was perfectly timed to bring a much needed smile to my face xxx

I have a couple of craft projects I would like to try today, all being well, so please keep your fingers crossed for me.

I hope that you all have a lovely day,

Love and hugs,

Sandra

xxxxxx