Karen's Reindeer & Celebrating An A* Artist

Karen's Reindeer

Good Saturday Morning Ladies,

First up today I am so exciting to share with you Karen's Incredibly Cute Reindeer, 

Karen crocheted the reindeer following a Kerry Lord pattern that she bought at John Lewis. I think that he is the cutest reindeer ever, just look at his expression, Karen your crochet skills are amazing, I look forward to seeing your next project, mind you it will a while choosing all of the different options of head, body, legs from the amazing Edward's Menagerie, also by Kerry Lord.  Thank you so much for sharing your Reindeer with us xxxx

Now I feel a little indulgent with the next feature, I want to share with you some of Sophie's A level Artwork, we are so proud of what both our girls have acheived ,

we had huge smiles on our faces as our girls received their Awards last night, we have been to every single award night at their school from when Matt started back in 2004.  Anyway, I digress here is some of Sophie's amazing artwork...........

Drawings showing Muscle Definition, you may all recognise

Paul from the photos (hahaha)

Artist Style: Michaelangelo

 Guy Denning is the Artist this work is based on, he experiments

with charcoal, oil paints and chalk on different surfaces as Sophie has done

here using Cardboard.

Casey Baugh is the Artist these pieces are based on,

his style is described as "A narrative impressionistic realism"

he specialises in Oil paintings and charcoal.

Sophie's main piece was created by rubbing charcoal into

 cartridge paper, then using it to add definition around facial features.

The bottom right photo is of a huge A2 piece Sophie did in same style.

Soph's Grandad

artist pieces

Marc Powell is the artist Soph is studying for these pieces,

Powell reuses Old Envelopes as canvases to produce incredible

drawings, his drawings are mostly in Biro Pen, (which is Soph's favourite too)

his work usually incorporates original stamps, preserving a bit of history!

Soph has used a birthday card envelope and a music sheet as canvases for her Biro 

drawings of her Grandad (Paul's Dad).

Sophie's latest review, that arrived yesterday shows that she is currently working at a 'A' grade for A level, not bad for the first term!  We are so proud of your work Soph xx

I am just working on a couple more projects for your used dryer sheets, hilariously this meant that I went to the girls Award Evening with red stained hands!  Video's coming soon!

I hope you have all enjoyed your challenge this week, I look forward to sharing your cards tomorrow.

Have a lovely weekend,

love and hugs,

Sandra 

xxxxxx

A Festive Treat From Pat

Good Friday Morning Ladies,

A very relaxed day for us today in comparison to yesterday, I probably made things worse by letting my anxiety get the better of me.  By the time the man arrived I was an anxious /nervous wreck.  It were just frustrated me that he wanted to look in every cupboard, I could almost see his eyes roll as he looked in my craft room!!
He was measuring room sizes, I did mention that all bungalows were the same room sizes, identical in fact! We have all our camping stuff stacked in the old airing cupboard, the immersion heater doesn't work, never has since we moved in, but he still insisted that Paul unload the whole lot so he could see the tank!!
The funny thing was that they hadn't explained to him that we have two bungalows knocked through, through what was a storage cupboard in the hallway, he wasn't happy that they expected him to do 2 bungalows when he was only paid to do one!!
I was relieved when he went I can tell you!

Now onto today's fabulous card, one of Pat's older Christmas cards I believe, I found it in my Christmas card file, while browsing yesterday.   I think it might be a card that Pat made at the Class she sometimes goes to on a Thursday, I love the colours and that pretty poinsettia Wreath, stamped inside the bauble, very creative Pat, I love the stitched detail around the leaves too.  The matting and layering finishes the card perfectly Pat, thank you for sharing xxxx

A quick frugal tip, if like me this time of year have many Amazon parcels arriving, keep the packaging, I die cut several tags out of some the other day, it looks identical to Kraft card, the envelope style cardboard packets actually have a perfect rectangle frame embossed into them!
The other thing I created was my own Antistatic bag, I have one but can't find it anywhere, with my renewed love of stamping I needed one urgently, so I round a piece of old fabric, die cut a large circle, popped a small mound of talc in the centre, gathered up and secured with a ribbon tied tightly around the top!
Or you could make a rectangle, glue together on 3 sides with Hot glue gun, add powder then close last side with hot glue too.  They both work a treat, cost very little and make your card smell lovely!

We are off to Sophie & Lucy's School tonight, it is their 'Charter Day' Celebration today and they have a full Service this morning, followed by an Awards Ceremony tonight, both my girls have received an award, Sophie has been Awarded the Prize for Art and Lucy received the Award for ICT, so we will be very proud parents tonight, with tingling hands from an hour of clapping!
such a lovely, positive way to end the week !

Have a lovely day ladies,
sending love and hugs to all of you,
Sandra
xxxxxxx

Lovely card by Lynda

Good morning Ladies,
I am excited to share with you today this Stunning card made by Lynda for her daughter Lisa.
Lynda, such a gorgeous gift, its more than a card, like the card you made me its a work of art.  You add so much detail, like the pretty Bow on the fold over corner of the card, it finishes the look perfectly, the pretty paper you have used looks as though you have sewn it to the card, such a delicate finish to the edging, then I come to that spray of pretty roses with the Star Spray die cuts as foliage, entwined through the roses.
Lisa must have been so amazed when she opened her card Lynda, thank you so much for sharing it with all of us xxxx

We have had a busy day here today, Paul has been moving things around and tidying all of the places we don't usually use, because we are having our house inspected today, they need to go in all rooms and cupboards etc (don't ask why), because I don't know!  It is suppised to be see what "Band" or "Grade" our house is, the part I don't understand is that they are all exactly the same on our street, its to count electric sockets, state of bathroom/kitchen etc, we automatically fall into the lowest grade because our house is an uninsulated, non brick, prefabricated style house!
It just feels like a mass invasion of our privacy for a pointless reason, they say it takes two hours too!!
Goodness knows what he'll think when he goes in my craft room!! haha

Margaret I do hope you are feeling better, we so missed you on Tuesday xxx
Lilian, I hope you are starting to feel less discomfort in your side too, these things can take a while, hugs on route xxx

Sending Love and hugs to all,

Sandra
xxxxxx

A Beautiful Card By Brenda

Good Morning Ladies,

We had such a lovely meet up yesterday, we are all such good friends it just feels so natural when we get together, like we have been friends for many years!
We talked a lot about crafting,  the Faux Misti mainly and its many uses.  We also saw Grandchildren photos, both Oscar and Christopher are just adorable, listening to Oscar Chuckle at his Special toy is simply heartwarming, it would put a smile on anyones face.

Eating Lunch

Three Wise Monkeys

aka : Maria, Pat & Karen

Janet, I have a 'Faux Misti' frame here for you to try,  both Sue and I were ecstatic when we got ours, it meant we could actually get out our stamps and have a go with them, both of us getting great results.  I know you don't stamp much either, this tool could change your crafting, let me know if you would like one xxx

Now on to today's Stunning Card, Brenda made this card for the lady that cuts her hair, it is so beautiful, I love background you have created Brenda, so many beautiful shades of Blue, how did you create it please?
The die you have used is simply gorgeous, I love how intricate it is, so much detail but not OTT, it looks perfect left white against the stunning blue background, I am sure it would look equally as beautiful coloured with pearls in the flower centres.
Hopefully you can tell us how you created it when you call in later, thank you son much for allowing me to share your card Brenda xxx

A quiet day for me today after a fun day yesterday, whatever you are doing enjoy your day xxx

Lynda, glad to hear that your first two tests went well, hope last one was successful too, we were thinking of you xxxx

I want to send huge hugs to everyone,
love too,
Sandra
xxxxxxx

Pop-up Fun from Michele

Good Morning Ladies,

I have been looking forward to today so much, I trained hard too, I rested my vocal cords, so I'm prepared for a marathon day of chatting and laughing.  Paul managed to switch swifts, so we can take our time and not rush back for him to start work.

So we will set off to WATFORD, not London at about 8.30 am, sadly Margaret is too poorly to join us, so I want to send huge hugs your way Margaret, you will be missed. Stay warm and snuggled up and get well soon please xxx

Now how amazing are Michele's Pop-Up Boxes,  you are definitely the 'Queen' of Pop-Up's on our Blog Michele, I love both of these but the Cute Penguin just has the edge for me, I can imagine them all wobbling their heads whenever you move the box!

I am thinking that we should do another tutorial for making these and get everyone to join in,  what do you think ?? I could do a quick video tutorial if that helps.  I would love to see what everyone comes up with and we will all learn something new!

Thank you so much for sharing your boxes Michele xxx

Well I must dash, I have a lot to do to prepare for the day,  I am sure we will all let you know about the day later.

I wish you were all joining us, I really do x

I want to send huge, huge hugs to our very dear Lynda, you have horrible tests to endure today preparing for next week, I hope they give you a big room, because we will all be there with you sweetheart xxx

have a lovely day ladies,

love and hugs

Sandra

xxxxxx

Monday Challenge

Good Morning Ladies,

Your Challenge this week, should you wish to accept it, is to make a card that features either :
Trees
Wreaths
It doesn't have to be a Christmas card, you could make any card with trees (mostly for Val who must be sick of Christmas card making).  Trees are good for 'male' cards, 'thank you' and 'thinking of you' as well as Christmas.  The same with a wreath, it could be flowers, foliage, baubles, absolutely anything.
I am trying to come up with ideas to suit everyone, also trying to be as versatile as I can, I hope you enjoy the challenge as much as the last two.
My first card uses a Hero Arts tree stencil, through which I sponged some Indigo blue, flake and glitter glue, followed by "Chocolate Box " Gilding Flake, I matted onto another piece of Kraft card edged with Gilding Flakes and then onto Pierced Kraft card, I finished it with some Dark Bronze and Gold pearls.
the second card was the one I featured on saturday on my YouTube video.

an exciting week this week, getting to meet some lovely ladies in London tomorrow,
which also reminds me I have had a fab idea for our Retreat/get together next year.
I will be emailing you all to see what you think. Rather than discussing on here.

I hope this week brings happiness and good health to all of you.

love and hugs,
Sandra
xxxxxx

Your Challenge Cards

My Challenge card 1

My second Challenge card

Cheryl's Challenge Card

Janet's 1st & 2nd Challenge cards

Janet's 3rd challenge card

Lilian's Challenge card

Lynda's  1st Challenge card

Lynda's 2nd Challenge card

Lynda's 3rd Challenge card

Lynda's 4th Challenge card

Lynda's 5th Challenge card

Lynda's 6th Challenge card

Margaret's 1st Challenge Card

Margaret's 2nd Challenge card

Maria's Challenge card

Michele's 1st Challenge card

Michele's 2nd Challenge card

Val's Challenge card

Karen's Challenge card

Pat's 1st Challenge card

Pat's 2nd Challenge Card

Pat's 3rd Challenge card

Good Morning Ladies,

Oh my goodness!!! What a response this week, you are all so amazing, thank you so much xxx

Cheryl, I love the colour of your card, blue and white are the 'frosty' colours to me, your scene 'looks' like a Winter sky, what did you use to get that amazing sparkle?

an amazing challenge card thank you xxx

Janet, two gorgeous Winter scene cards, the snow is glistening, it looks like you could walk down that street, the 3rd Snowflake card is so pretty too, using Spellbinders Grand Decorative Squares and Snowflakes.  Thank you so much for taking part Janet xxx

Lilian, such an amazing Snowflake card, the Mirror card really shows those die cut snowflakes perfectly, I love how you have used the snowflakes to create a decorative border at the bottom of your card, amazing Lilian, thank you so much xxx

Lynda, WOW, Lynda, 6 cards from you this week and each one so different, you have used so many different techniques too, you have used Sue's Snow Globe die with a Deer in, your gorgeous Pixie powder background in another card, the Inkyliscious Bauble technique is gorgeous too, now Lynda I love those stamped scene cards, with the snowman in the foreground, you have framed theme beautifully too, they are so delicate, stunning too! Your 6th card is another amazing card, plenty of snowflakes and a pretty background. Thank you so very much for all of your cards xxx

Margaret, two stunning 'clean and simple' style cards, wow I love that embossed snowflake look, amazing what a difference the background colour makes too, 2 absolutely gorgeous cards Margaret, thank you so much xxx

Maria, oh what a darling little Owl, all wrapped up in her hat and scarf, she is adorable, just like your card, thank you for going to the trouble of making it despite feeling under the weather, I really do appreciate your effort my lovely xxx

Michele, oh my two absolutely gorgeous Snowman cards, I love the images you have used and the backgrounds work so well, you have framed them both so well, you really do know how to compose a perfectly balanced card, love them both, thank you so much xxx

Val, oh what a pretty Christmas card, you have used the 'Pleated card technique' for the style of your card and you have made it work so perfectly as a Christmas card, I love the combination of papers you have used, the pretty braid across the middle and the stunning snowflake to finish, gorgeous Val, gorgeous, thank you so much xxx

Karen, I love the white on white look you have designed, it works so well, particularly with the combination of dies you have used.......

SW Noble Ornate Pierced Squares die

SW Lattice Snowflake EF

SW "Let it Snow" die

CE Diamond Sprinkles

The Diamond Sprinkles have created the perfect amount of sparkle, without being OTT, I love your card Karen, thank you so much xxx

Pat, well what can I say, 3 Gorgeous snowy cards from you this week, the first one, using such pretty blue card with printed acetate, the 4 snowflake brads secure the acetate, brilliant idea!  

The 2nd card in classic Navy, white and Silver, it works perfectly Pat, I love the snowflake embossing folder you have used, it is so delicate.

Your 3rd card you have created your own stamped background, then added a die cut snowflake and sentiment, lovely card Pat. Thank you so much for taking part this week, it really brightened my day to see that you had time to sit and craft this week, as you are usually so busy, thank you my lovely xxx

I have to mention how very touching the Festival of Rememberance was at the Royal Albert Hall, I watched with a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat, but there was one thing that frustrated me, now I will normally avoid discussing anything political but, I cannot keep this in, every member of that service was impeccably dressed,Uniforms perfectly turned out, except for one disrespectful cretin, who couldn't even fasten his top button and wear his tie correctly, how disgraceful, I shall not utter his name, any of you watching would have no doubt noticed him too!! I am sure he will be dressed the same at Whitehall tomorrow!  (leader of labour party) for those that didn't see.  I am sorry if I have offended you with my frustration, but if you attend something as respectful as that you should dress respectfully!

Thank you all once again ladies, you are all amazing!

Love and hugs to all of you

Sandra

xxxxxxx