crafty flossie

New Spring Florals Stamps

2012-01-27T12:14:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Glenda over at Chocolate Baroque released three new sets of stamps. They are such a delight to work with.

The Rose Tree

Fragmant Honeysuckle

Wisteria Lane

I'll be posting pictures on here and over on the Design Team blog over the next few weeks. Pop over there and see what the girls have been up to so far.

Debbie

Purple Foxgloves Thankyou Card

2012-01-08T23:07:00.000-08:00

Again I'm thinking of the Spring and the flowers and fauna it will bring.
I made a mask with a large oval nestie shape cut from copier paper and coloured around the edge of the oval with Milled Lavender.

Using the smaller Foxgloves from Honey Bee stamps I inked with Versamagic Purple Hydrangea. I stamped the flower twice to create a shadow effect. When they were dry I inked the large flower with Versafine Onyx Blackand stamped at the side of the oval and added the Thankyou sentiment.

Thank you for stopping by

Debbie

Back to work and playing

2012-01-02T23:04:00.001-08:00

Today many people are returning to work on a cold wet wintery day but being positive it's the start of a new year and spring won't be far away. I saw bulbs popping through the soil in a neighbours garden yesterday.

Weeks ago my hubby asked me what I'd like for my Xmas present and after alot of thought and research I asked for a Grand Calibur. We went to a local shop and bought one. I recieved my large box on Xmas morning and was delighted. Half an hour after later my OH came down the stairs with an even larger box and I was shocked when he said it was for me. I carefully opened it and inside was a touch screen PC. We had been playing with them in a store months ago. I love it. I love the fact it has a large screen, no base unit and newer software.

I played yesterday with my other new toy and I love the fact I can put multiple dies and various paper through it in one go. I can emboss larger pieces of paper and card. Cut up to A4 apeture cards.

Here is my first creation.

Thanks for stopping by
Debbie

Favourites of 2011

2011-12-31T12:54:00.000-08:00

January didn't bring any resolutions but my word was enjoy. I think this year is what I've done. I've enjoyed the simple things like walking the dog, being with family and friends and making people smile in what ever way I can.
In 2012 I intend to stay positive with whatever comes my way and continue to enjoy the small things in life.

In February I made this tag for a friend at work who was having a rough time, it's still on the wall behind her desk.

March is my birthday and I've gotten very good at dodging the camera.
I made my bestest friend a mirror as a Xmas present. Her friends 5 year old fell in love with it so I made her a fairy one for her birthday.

In April we had visitors. The school behind our house has been demolished and rebuilt. There was a pond in the quadrangle and the ducks nested there during the night. I wonder if they'll visit in 2012.

In May we met up with Amy in Manchester and went to see Calender Girls.

I made this cupcake card for my friends daughter.

In June I attended a workshop where I made cushion, loved the workshop and learned so much.

I made a tiny quilt for a friends Granddaughter. She'd bought her the Princess and the Peas book and bed but it didn't have a quilt.

July a couple of days away in Scotland and a 100 wedding invitations for a friend at work.

We had a fab family day out at Beamish. It brought back wonderful childhood memories and the weather was lovely.

In August we had holiday in Keswick and this is my favourite photo from our week .

My DS collect his A level results,

I love the serenity of this photo, I sat by the lake an hour and a half.

In September my DH started a photography course. He thinks all photos need to be printed at A3 size.He's spent hours playing happily changing the colours etc.

October started with good intention. My samples were done and sent off to Chocolate Baroque. The fragments stamps are so useful and the steampunk xmas stamps I'll use again and again.

November was patchwork with paper and fabric. I had been asked to make a quilt for a baby girls cot.

One of the very few Christmas cards I made. (Will try better next year)

December all ways is so busy with card making, buying presents, costume making and my daughters birthday. Amy and her brother having fun. This year she turned 21 and we celebrated with cupcakes.

This is a Daisy Trail page of Amy and Archie. The photo was taken during the summer when we had a few sunny days.

I wish you Health, happiness and a little wealth.

Debbie

Stamping Bees onto Fabric

2011-12-21T00:55:00.000-08:00

A while ago on the Chocolate Baroque Forum we were discussing stamping onto fabric. I invested in a Versacraft Real Black Inkpad for fabric and thought these stamps would be perfect to have a go and make a sample project. I cut 6 hexagons from a light coloured fabric and another hexagon is cut from the pink. I stamped the Bees onto the 6 and I must say they stamped with ease. I used the Flower and Bee from the set for the centre. I would use a lighter colour fabric next time as it doesn't stand out as well.

I joined the 7 hexagons together by hand stitching them. I discovered that on my sewing machine I can blanket stitch which is now my favourite. I stitched them onto the backing fabric then added the wadding and backing. I joined the layers with a straight stitch in the ditch around the pieces and finished by stitching a scalloped edge all the way around. Finally I trimmed the excess fabric. I'm going to use my sample piece to stand a tea pot on when we sit in the garden during the summer.
I have decided that I'm going to make a quilt next year using some of my favourite Chocolate Baroque stamps as there are so many to choose from.

I hope I've given you some inspiration to have a go.

Over the next few weeks the Design Team will be posting more delicious samples so have a look around.

Debbie

White Christmas Challenge

2011-12-05T14:53:00.000-08:00

This is a quick post as I'm so tired think I'll be propping my eyelids open by the time I've finished. I found a little time to play with new stamps on Sunday. My hubby was very impressed on the delivery time from Chocolate Baroque. These have been part of my wish list since they came out. I love the trees.
I also bought the new set of music tags from the website. They come in three colours and are delish.

My second card was a request from a friend at work. She and her hubby visit a little village coffee shop on a Saturday morning and she wanted to take them a special card. The brief was there business card. Pink and black and the shop is
called number 5. I printed the word number on the computer and cut out the digits on the Cricut. I kept the tree simple, just adding a few pink flat back gems.

Good luck to all who have entered the challenge.
Debbie

New challenge with rewards

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

How would you like the chance to win a £10 voucher to spend on Chocolate Baroque rubber stamps? Or would you prefer a £20 voucher or how about £50?
Glenda will add £1.00 to the value of the gift voucher for each person who submits an entry to the challenge. So if they only get five entries, the prize will be £5.00, but if they get 35 entries, the prize will be £35.00. The maximum prize fund of £50.00.
The winner will be drawn at random, so you have nothing to lose by having a go and a lot to gain by encouraging all your challenge-holic buddies to join in.

The theme is WHITE CHRISTMAS and how you interpret the theme and what kind of artwork you produce is entirely up to you – cards are obviously welcome but feel free to do anything from ATCs to jewellery, canvas to crochet. As a bonus, any pieces which showcase Chocolate Baroque stamps particularly well will be featured in full on the Chocolate Baroque Design Team blog over Christmas with a link back to your blog.

Click on the White Christmas link to the site above.

The closing date is DECEMBER 15TH 2011 and the winner will be chosen at random from the list of entries.

The photo above shows some of the samples I made last year using various stamps from Chocolate Baroque. I'm starting on my cards for christmas this week and will definately be reproducing some of the cards, crackers and gift boxes in red for this year.

Italian Villa by Moon Light

2011-10-27T23:40:00.000-07:00

This is my second card from the new Echoes of Italy stamps that have been released by Chocolate Baroque this week. The first card is over on the Design Team Blog. I love the blues as it reminds me of the beautiful sunsets we have had over the summer months.
I enjoyed playing with the stamps to create the backgrounds, I have a stash of them for the future. I have been drawing lines on the back of most of stamps recently to help line them up. The main image was quick to colour. I started with the trees in various green Copic pens and subtle shading of the buildings with creams and greys. The sky and the grass are Distress Inks and I applied them with a soft shaving brush. I find using a brush can give you a softer colouring.

The girls from the Design Team have some fabulous cards to show so take time to have a look around their blogs.

Have a good day
Debbie

All change

2011-09-30T23:55:00.000-07:00

Today is one of those days I'll remember for many years as my little (6 foot tall) boy is starting at University. We seem to have been packing, buying and sorting for weeks and weeks. He tries very hard to be organised and I think we've covered everything. I made this card for him and will send it in the post next week. He loves to play his guitar when he has a little down time.

I made this card using stamps from the recently released Music Fanfare stamps from Chocolate Baroque. The card base was made from a template CB and I reversed the folds making the sides stand further forward. I heated Pearl UTEE
and poured it over the sheet music stamp. The flowers die is from Crealies and I glittered the edges of the petals.

I made this little elephant while we were away on hloiday and he now lives in Edinburgh with Jacks girlfriend. I didn't have enough grey wool so I knitted his body put pom poms on his feet to look a little like pj's.

Signing out to start a busy day.

Debbie

Music - back to the classroom

2011-09-04T00:44:00.000-07:00

I made this card following the on line class I did with Glenda.
Rubber Stamping - Back to Basics. The class focused on stamping and inks. I learned such a lot and found it very inspirational. I must say the videos and print outs are are so informative and I can to recommend new and more experienced crafters.
The background on my card is made from Versamagic Chalk Inks. I stamped the clefs onto navy card and the chalk ink stands out beautifully. The blue and green is direct to paper and the ink blends so well. I stamped the ripped sheet music with Memento London Fog and tore the edge and coloured. The instument has beeen stamped over the music using Versamagic Night sky. I love these stamps as they can be used for male or female cards.
The Design Team are posting some beautiful cards using the newly released stamps from Chocolate Baroque.

Hop around the DT for lots of ideas

Debbie

6 weeks gone in a flash

2011-09-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

In brief here's a whistle stop running of my hols.
Housework and decorating the needy areas of the house, late spring clean ie curtains down, sofa hoovered and rubbed, under the beds and much more.
I made 100 plus wedding invites for a friend at work. She didn't want anything with fuss. The brief was no ribbon, gems or bling. So here's what I came up with and she loves them.

I was so relieved when I delivered them and she was so pleased. I love this stamp from Chocolate Baroque, Butterfly Flourish Swirls, it's deeply etched so none of the excess black ink transfered.

Hubby and I had a couple of days away together in Scotland. For his birthday he wanted an SLR camera and it arrived in time to take it away with us. He went into David Bailey mode and thoroughly enjoyed himself taking some beautiful photos. Mine aren't of the same quality.

Amy waited patiently from her Uni to see how she'd done in her second year. She was very happy with her results and we are very pleased with what has been a very difficult year for her.

Jack had arranged his driving test for the hols and in true Jack style he passed with flying colours. He didn't have a single fault.
I went with him to collect his
A level results, I thought I was going to be ill while he opened them. Since Jack started school he always set himslf a target of being at the top. He opened the envelope and started to smile, I knew he needed an A and 2 B's to get in to Durham. The smile got bigger and I said 'Well then'. 3 A s. I found it so difficult not to embarrass him by jumping for joy.

We had a wonderful week away in Keswick and the weather was very kind to us. Hubby took alot of photos, over 1500. I sat for a couple of hours one night while her took photos of the sunset. I'll try and post a couple.

In my spare time I've been working on samples for the Design Team at Chocolate Baroque. I'll post a few of them over the weekend.

The newest stamps released by CB are Music Fanfare and The Art of Chess. They are on a multibuy offer at the moment. These are beautiful stamps and will be used in so many ways. Love them.
Pop over to the DT blog as the girls have started posting their samples. Definately worth a look at.

Take care
Debbie

Home Sweet Home from Chocolate Baroque and a Blog Candy Give Away

2011-07-28T23:25:00.000-07:00

The first of my samples today has been stamped with Stormy Sky Distress Ink. I used the same ink to add shades to the image with a water brush. I do like this technique as it's simple and so effective. Diamond stickles was added to the mounds of the hills to make them look snowy. The stickles was also used to edge the white as a border.
I mounted the main onto Stormy sky coloured card, a border punched powder blue and white. The main card is white and has Echoes of Italy marbled paper on it. The sentiment is stamped onto white and then attatched to an acrylic tag with glossy accents.

I have always love the work of Clarice Cliff and when these stamps landed, I new I was going to fall in love with them. My Mum only had a few pieces of pottery and one of them was a present from my Dad. It was a large jug painted very simply in orange, red, yellow and brown. I still have it but it's in the loft as DH hates it.
The Home is stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and coloured with Copic pens. Cut out the image with a scalloped circle and mounted onto another sea green. The grasses from the stamp set has been stamped in the corner for a little extra detail.

There's an offer on these stamps at the moment Chocolate Baroque and take a look.

Glenda has also added two videos on her blog they are so informative.
The girls from the Design Team have made some fabulous samples. The cards will be posted over the next few days.

Leave comments on the DT members blogs and have a chance of winning these beautiful stamps.

Have a good weekend
Debbie

Flowers standing in a row

2011-07-04T12:46:00.000-07:00
This card was made using stamps from Chocolate Baroque. There are six florals and two sentiments on the unmounted stamp plate. It's called Fantastic Florals . I used Marvy Brush Markers to colour the stamps. I enjoy using the Marvy pens as you can pick out specific areas to colour. I've made this card in a few different colours and they all look nice. I stamped the greeting and then made two score lines. I mounted onto colours from the stamping to co-ordinate.

I hope you like it
Debbie

Cupcakes

2011-06-26T13:45:00.001-07:00
I was asked to make a special birthday card for a friends 8th. Her daughter isn't in to anything in particular so I thought all girls love cupcakes, what ever age.
I stamped and coloured the cakes on Wednesday. I used silicone on Friday afternoon to stick them on. I only needed to put on the name and age. When I looked at the card on Saturday morning I couldn't believe the silicone was showing through like greasy marks. So after a busy Saturday I set off and made the card up again. My friend collected the card this afternoon and she was delighted with the finished card. That made all the hard work worth it.
These stamps are from Chocolate Baroque and are so useful. I stamped the base of the cake onto patterned paper with black ink for definition. I coloured the tops of the cakes with pens and added glitter for a little bling.

I hope it has been a good weekend for all

Debbie

Chocolate Baroque - Blog Candy Giveaway

2011-06-19T02:35:00.000-07:00
There are new stamps being launch by Choclate Baroque this weekend and Glenda is offering the opportunity for one lucky winner to recieve them. Pop over to the Chocolate Baroque Design Team Blog.
Leave a comment there and keep everything crossed as they are a NEED!!!
Debbie

Only words and a gift

2011-06-07T14:14:00.000-07:00
I suggested a little challenge to the Design Team members of Chocolate Baroque. The challenge was to use only words. I created an octogon in four sizes and used as a template to cut out white, two shades of purple card. I used dusty concord distress ink around the top layer to highlight the score line. The flower is a die from Crealie. I have used this stamp many times as I love the wording. It's from Chocolate Baroque and the stamp plate is called loving sentiments. I hope you'll have a go with only words.

I started quilting last year and thoroughly enjoy every stitch I sew. I did needlework at school and one of my exam pieces was an applique cushion. I spotted the quilt I have replicated in a magazine. It is a similar design to the original cushion. I've made this quilt for a friend at work who's retiring and she loves to garden. I thought it would be nice on the back of a chair or over her lap on an evening.

Many thanks for popping by
Debbie

Nurturing tag

2011-05-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

I was having a bit of a loss of the precious mojo earlier in the week. It doesn't happen often but is so frustrating. I watched a video posted by Glenda Waterworth this morning and it inspired me to dig out my watercolouring pencils. A friend at work had a really difficult day at work yesterday. She is our secretary and is the front line. I really do feel for her, she hasn't an easy job. I have made her a few other tags for her so this one I'm sure will be added to her pin board behind her desk. She understands me so this is a small RAK I know she'll appreciate.
Pop over to Glendas blog and have a look at the video.
Take care all
Debbie

Nothing goes in the right direction

2011-05-16T12:54:00.000-07:00
Over the last few weeks my mojo has been fine and I've enjoyed every moment of the bits and bobs I've done. These quick cards were made from the Hearts and Flowers stamp plate from Chocolate Baroque. I try to make cards for my stash as I'm usually making cards for friends requests. I thoroughly enjoy the challenge. This week my mojo has flown away. I'm managing to make bits and bobs but nothing is going together.
I've got everything crossed that my mojo hasn't gone on holiday for to long.
Debbie

Finishing off things

2011-05-02T11:27:00.000-07:00
Last year when we went to Darlington for the Graphicus retreat, we started a canvas. I started mine and haven't finished it. Kay who I went with gave me hers and told me she wasn't happy with it so couldn't finish it. I was shopping on Saturday and saw a lovely wall hanging so this is my first attempt. I'm going to give it back and finish my own. I used the Martha Stewart butterfly punch and stamped one of the scripts from Chocolate Baroque Mini Scripts. Larger scripts were to big.The flowers around the edge are a freebie stencil I got with a magazine. I used Victorian Velvet to colour.

Last year I made my friends birthday card using the Macintosh style stitched card. Her fave colour is lilac and she loved it. I managed to get another three of the patterns so this year for her birthday I stitched four of them and put them into frames from Ikea. I painted them a mocha colour to match her decor. Fingers crossed she'll like them.

Hope it's been a good Bank holiday
Debbie

Congratulations

2011-04-16T23:51:00.000-07:00
Congratulations to the winners of the give away over on the Chocolate Baroque Blog.
Suzee, Paula and Aquarius are in for a real treat these stamps are beautiful.

I was asked to make a Wedding card for a couple and it needed big enough for 25 plus people to sign. I have made many cards using Craftwork cards 8x8 size and they are big enough without being to big to fill.

I cut out the silver and white backing using a frame from Go Kreate. The hearts are stamped with Versamark and heat embossed with silver. I cut around the images, added a gem and used tape to stick one and foam pads for the other. The wording is computer generated. I wanted to keep the card all white so I used the organza dot ribbon.
The stamps are fab for lots of anniversarys, heat emboss in different colours.

Have a lovely Sunday
Debbie

Blog Candy give away

2011-04-10T23:43:00.000-07:00
Hi to all. I hope it's been a good weekend for all. The weather has been beautiful and fingers crossed there's more in store. The gardens are in full bloom with colourful tulips and daffodils.

Chocolate Baroque have released some new stamps and Glenda has decided it's time to offer blog candy. There are 3 sets of stamps

Doodle Birds size A5

Doodle Butterflies size A5

Butterfly Dreams size A4

To be in with a chance, leave a comment on the Design Teams blogs and Glenda will be choosing winners from the comments left. The Design Team blogs are listed on the right hand side of my blog.
Here's a card I made from the Doodle Birds stamps. I've also used the dragon flies from Doodle Butterlies, the script is from Mini Script and the fern from Wild Meadow.
The verse is an Irish blessing from Patchmork Butterfly.

Pop back during the week to see more cards
Good luck to all
Debbie

The wait is finally over

2011-04-02T09:13:00.001-07:00
Over the last nine months I've been like an expectant aunty. My friend has been waiting for the birth of her first grand child. They had gone away last weekend and as she predicted there granddaughter was born. Amelia was born on Sunday morning weighing in at 8lb 15ozs and she is gorgeous. Can't wait for a cuddle.

On Friday I couldn't wait to arrive home from work to see how things were getting on with the arrival of the Chocolate Baroque websites. Firstly an online store packed with lots of delicious goodness. Secondly the new community site that allows like minded people to chat, swap ideas and lots more. I've been allowed to show something from one of the new projects we're working on.
I love this stamp set butterflies, birds and flowers.

My hubby bought my a state of the art sewing machine for my birthday and being a true crafter thought what else will it do. So that's how I created the border.
Have a lovely weekend to everyone
Debbie

Chocolate Baroque

2011-04-01T05:48:00.000-07:00
Just a quick post.
I wanted to let people know that the Chocolate Baroque website is up and running. Pop over and take a look at the goodies that are there. They are soooo tempting.

Flora bella card

2011-03-22T14:10:00.000-07:00
I'm sure we've always had in mind that one day I'll get that because I need it. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to buy the Flora Bella stamp sheet from the company formally called Elusive Images. I played with it at the weekend and this is what I made.

2011-03-18T23:47:00.000-07:00
This card was made as a submission for the Elusive Images Design Team. I really enjoyed making it as I wanted to make the dress a little special by using metal leaf I'd bought at the Harrogate show a year earlier. I think we all have that feeling, I remember the demonstrator using glue but how did she do it? I stamped the image onto white and coloured her with copics then stamped it again onto acetate using stazon black. I trimmed the acetate and then covered with Zig two way glue (the glue that starts blue) and then gently layed down the metal leaf. The edges of the background was distressed with Dried Marigold and then the corners were stamped with the same colour. The chandelier and black bow were the finishing touch.

These stamps will be avaliable from the new company Chocolate Baroque. When Glenda manages to over come the hurdles that are being put in front of her daily. The DT are working with new stamps and there are more on there way. So the excitement continues.

It has been a long time since I posted a photo of my fluffy friend. I say fluffy as he's just starting to loose his winter coat. Fingers crossed the fur won't kill another hoover. Archie loves the beach and we walk for miles with him in and out of the sea. He was at the vets yesterday for his yearly check up and hurray apart from a little dermatitus he's got a clean bill of health. (Bank balance still in tact)
Have a good weekend
Debbie

Excited

2011-02-18T13:29:00.000-08:00
I've been bursting to let people know that I design for a new company called Chocolate Baroque. There are new and exciting things coming in the form of new stamps, papercraft cds, digital downloads and much more. If you're a little curious pop over to Chocolate Baroque. There are stamps and a digital download on offer.

Debbie

Bag lady

2011-02-13T10:10:00.000-08:00
I think I'm turning into a bit of a bag lady. For Xmas Dh bought me a couple of books from the internet (I'd directed him to them.) Over the last few weeks I've enjoyed playing and creating my interpretations of the bags.
This is the first I made, I love the long handle.

My second bag was a bit trial and error. I love the fabric which I bought by the
10cm as it was rather expensive.

I sent a photo to DD and the orders were put in from all her friends. (think I need a couple of weeks locked away to make them)

My latest handmade bag is nearly finished and is going to my dear friend who in a few weeks time will be a granny. I'm also making a quilt in the same farbic.

I've made the bag with a short and long handle, long for on the push chair and short for carrying.

When the quilt is finished I'll post a few photos.
Thanks for stopping by
Debbie

I've finished a card making marathon

2011-01-29T00:10:00.000-08:00
This week I have really enjoyed a marathon card making session. A friend of a friends daughter is getting married in May and asked moi to make her wedding invites. I had paced myself well at the beginning and cut the cards to size, folded them, cuttlebugged the fronts, printed the inserts and also the invites were stamped, printed inside and the envelopes addressed. On Thursday evening the brides friends and family met at her Mums house and the finish line was in sight. We all finished off the invites with punches, ribbon and punched corners.
It was a lovely evening and Barbara provided a selection of scones to keep us happy. My problem is I forgot to take a photo of the finish.

This coming week is my babies 18th birthday. I can't believe he's 18 and an inch off 6 foot. This year I've made a few 18th so I thought I post a pic of one I made for a friend of his that started Nursery with him.

Sophie had a hollywood themed party and she loved her card. The lady is from Elusive Images and she is so versatile. I love her in the black and white. I coloured her face and arms with copics after stamping with black and embossing with clear powder. I cut her out and placed her onto the decorated card.
Today I need to make a card for my son. I'm hoping to head off to the shops as I'm wanting fabric to make another bag. I'll post a photo of my first effort later.
Enjoy your Saturday
Debbie

A quick post

2011-01-25T14:18:00.000-08:00
I'm not really a snip and stick card maker but before xmas our cook at work had a special request. When she left school at 16 she worked in a bakery and the manager of the bakery turned 100 years old. She asked if I could make a with cakes on. It took me a while to find the sheet on the net. She sent it through the post. A friend of hers went to see him on the day of his birthday. He was showing her the cards he'd recieved. He told her to pick up the one on the mantle piece, she picked up the Queens and he told her,'Everyone gets them, I mean the one next to it.' MINE.
This is the reason I love making cards.
Night
Debbie

A little bit of xmas a little bit late

2011-01-24T13:29:00.000-08:00
I can't believe that xmas has been and gone so quickly. I was a little poorly at xmas and at the time it seemed a little fuzzy. So here are a few bits and bobs I should have posted a while ago.
The putting up of the xmas tree, we bought a narrow tree a few years ago. It used to be like National Lampoons Xmas Vacation. lol

Xmas day at ours.
Amy and Jess having a whale of a time.

I spotted the little xmas trees in a large store and they are my take on them at a fraction of the cost. Surprising what you can do with a loo roll and some glitter card.

Have fun everyone
Debbie

Elusive Images Christmas Theme Plate 2010

2010-12-19T12:40:00.000-08:00

A few years ago I bought a glue pad and refill. I hadn't used it until I made this card. The glitter stuck to it well. I enjoyed making it and I'm not going to put my glitter away this year, girls love sparkly things.

Debbie

Christmas cards accomplished

2010-12-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

Today I finished my last card. I just need to deliver them.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of making cards etc for the Elusive Images Design Team. I've made some lovely friends and learned such alot this year.
I'm going to post a few cards that I've made over the next week or so.
Stay warm
Debbie

Quick card

2010-12-03T04:12:00.000-08:00
Hi again. I think this is the quickest card I've made in quite some time. I've downloaded the freebie christmas give away paper from the Graphics blog.
Pop over and join in with the fun.

Debbie

Online Party over at Graphicus

2010-12-03T02:03:00.000-08:00
Morning to all. Due to the poor weather conditions the Graphicus open days have been cancelled. Anyone who has been to a Graphicus will understand why people travel miles to be there. So with the magic of the interenet they are holding an on line party. Pop over to have a look at what's going on.
I made these table cards as part of my design team sample submission. I stamped out the christmas trees coloured them with copics, added gems aand cut them out. The names are computerd generated using word. I trimmed the cards to sized and drew two lines with a gold krylon pen.

Stay warm and safe
Debbie

Lazy blogger

2010-10-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post a photo of a card I made as a Elusive Images Design Team sample. I was bowled over when I was told a lot of people had commented on the card. I recieved the Village Life stamp plate stamped out the images in black onto paper and then pondered over what to do with them.
The church seemed ideal for a wedding card. The ideas just flowed. Out came the cuttlebug, the nesties, embossing folders copics and chalks.
Hope you like it.
Debbie

Elegant Ladies from Elusive Images

2010-10-23T00:26:00.000-07:00

Elusive Images have 3 new stamps plates featuring Elegant Ladies. I'm one of the very lucky people to be on their design team and honoured to be able to work/play with them making samples.
When I recieve new stamps I usually stamp the images in black and then look at them for a night or two waiting for inspiration to arrive. Not with these stamps. I new exactly what I wanted to do.
We are all guilty of having an enormous stash of goodies hidden away from prying eyes. So out came my large bag of fantasy fibres and large tub of flat back gems.
Stamp the image of the lady from the Portrait of a Lady on to white card and colour her face, neck and arms with copic E50 and add shade with E51. Carefully go to the cupboard that stores the iron YES the iron and turn it on (if you like me find it difficult to turn it on). Ink up the stamp again with a permanent black inkpad and lay the fantasy fibre over the stamp. Lay non stick baking paper over the fantasy fibre and press the iron on. Make sure you turn off the steam. The black of the ink will start to show through to the baking paper. Trim the dress and glue onto the lady that has had the face coloured.
For the background shade the bottom third with green and the top two thirds with blue. Stamp trees from the Essence of Nature stamp plate with Memento London Fog and Adirondack Citrus green so they blend with the background.
Cut a paper arch shape as a template. Ink up the borders from the Portrait of a Lady and Belle of the ball with pink ink and stamp around the arch. Place flat back gems at random on the arch. Place the lady in front of the arch. Add a bow and finish by layering onto black and magenta card.

Pop over to see what the other girls from the design team have been creating. The links are on the side of my blog.
Thanks for popping by
Debbie

Moving into rented accommadation

2010-09-23T04:55:00.001-07:00

Sorry it's been a while since I last posted.
Update on DD moving to a rented house. I'm sure we'll laugh about it in years to come. She was so excited as the group of girls had chosen this house to live in (first very, very grown up decision). We started to unpack the car and hubby, Boyfriend and DD carried large amount of STUFF into the house. It's a massive victorian terrace. When I walked through the house and up the stairs I noticed it wasn't MY clean. All mums will understand. DD had been left with one of the two smallest bedrooms as the other girls were already there. We set about moving furniture for more space and more homely. She couldn't put any stuff into the wardrobes because it all needed to be washed out. Well I could go on for hours but won't.
I didn't sleep well Saturday, Sunday or Monday night so put it down to worrying. I phoned DD on Tuesday evening and she sounded much happier and the conversation began,'It's much better here now because the landlord has been today and removed the sofas and the full house has been DE-FLEEd. OMG I'm so angree as it had been evident that the house had had nothing done since the last students left. They had also had a cat. The girls have been out and bought cleaning products and have been cleaning to make it liveable. I'm sleeping a little better now.
I've been making cards like nobodys business. I love being back at work as a few of my friends ask me to make cards for them that are the cards they can't find in the shops. One has asked me to make a card for her parents golden wedding ann, sadly her dad only has a few weeks to live. Another is at a 50th birthday for a freind who has an aggresive brain tumor. These are tainted celebrations so I find it very rewarding when I can make a card fitting for the occasion.
Hugs
Debbie

Elusive Images Blog Hop

2010-09-16T14:19:00.000-07:00
Hi to everyone who has visited my blog over the last few days. Thankyou to all the peeps who have left comments and become followers. The comments mean such a lot to me. THANKS.
I'm one of the tricks as I don't have any candy to offer so take a look at the other ladies from the EI design teams blogs as you may find some there.
Tomorrow will be a day of mixed emotions as my DD is going back to uni. I know I'll miss her greatly but I will be glad to be able to sort the house out.
This photo was taken in the garden just before DD went to uni last year.
Hugs
Debbie

It's spooky darling

2010-09-15T11:41:00.000-07:00
Here's another spooky card made from the new EI halloween stamps. The card is an 8x8 so I had alot of space to play with. I used stormy sky and peeled paint to colour the background. The trees are from the Areboretum stamp plate and shadow stamped for depth. The flying witch in the background has been masked from the rectangle witch with the moon. The bats are stamped randomly around the trees. I mounted onto black and lime green. The pumpkins have been stamped onto orange card, cut out and fixed to the card with foam pads. To finish the project I stamped the bats onto the corner of envelope.

I finished my mirror project from the retreat and added a couple more of my own. I can't believe my hubby put them up quickly, he was impressed.
I know the EI girls are posting spooky creations all week, so don't forget to check their blogs.
Hugs
Debbie

Elusive Images Blog Hop

2010-09-13T05:33:00.000-07:00
Hello and welcome to my contribution to the Elusive Images Blog Hop. I'm sure you're going to find lots of inspiration when visiting the design team members blogs. There's a little blog candy being offered so be sure to check them all out. They are listed at the side of my blog.
The leaves are beginning to turn the beautiful autumnal colours of orange, red and brown. Wonderful colours for inspiration when crafting. Halloween is becoming bigger in the uk and families enjoy the preperation of decorating there homes. I must admit even though my children are older now I still place the broomsticks next to the front door.
The new Elusive Images Halloween stamps are wonderful for the season. I have had the best fun working with them.
stamps
The stamps are also avaliable from Elusive Images stockists

List of crafy goodies I used to make my card

Halloween unmounted stamplate from Elusives images
8x8 card base
Backing paper from GG paper pack
White and brown cardstock
Gold Krylon pen
Brilliance Tiramisu inkpad
Clear embossing powder
Stickles Frosted lace
Distressed Inkpad – Spiced marmalade, Vintage photo
Tim Holtz Mask haunted
Copic marker C3, R05
Started by masking the corner of the card with the Tim Holtz mask and distress with spiced marmalade and Vintage photo. On a smaller piece of card stamp and emboss the cat on the fence. Colour in to highlight the image. Stamp the pumpkin, colour and cut out and fix with foam pads. Cover the base card with paper.
Mount onto black card and edge with a gold Krylon pen. Fix cat image to the distressed card and then base card.
Be sure to visit the ladies blogs as the candy is on offer till Friday.
Have a fab week
Hugs Debbie

Where's the time going to...

2010-09-12T10:16:00.000-07:00
I can't believe a week has passed since 40 ish lovely women spent a whole weekend crafting and eating. We were over at Darlington with the crew from Graphicus who had organised a fab time for us. It was lovely to see peeps from last year and meet some new retreaters. It was such fun. This photo of us all on the staircase before we left.
I'm starting to save for next year already.

Oh what a wonderful time

2010-09-07T12:53:00.000-07:00
I went back to work on Wednesday of last week but really didn't mind as I knew I was off to the Graphicus retreat on Friday afternoon.
http://www.graphicus.co.uk/pages/default.aspx

I went last year and had the most wonderful time, I learned so much so was counting down the sleeps. From stepping into the room full of people busy prepping projects until leaving on Sunday afternoon I enjoyed every moment. We worked flat out painting, sticking, stamping, glueing, threading, embossing, chatting, eating, laughing. What more can a crafter want. The thing I enjoy most is the company of everyone there. I've only finished one project but haven't a photo yet. I enjoyed the mirror project and will finish it at the weekend. I think Ikea may cotton on, I hope they don't put the prices up.

New years resolution

2010-08-31T00:45:00.000-07:00
I'm always making new years resolutions that I never keep so this year I made a couple that I was going to keep. I decided that I wanted to replace a patchwork quilt that I had made a few years ago after my Mum passed away. I wasn't the best quilt but I have been very proud of it. It' was starting to look a little tired. I've joined a quilting class at a local craft shop and the lady that's teaching the group of eleven of us is very helpful. Most of the people know each other so we have a giggle while hand stitching, YES hand stitching. I'm nearly finished my third panel and I have a few more to make before it's a double quilt. Here are the pics of the first two panels.

Just been thinking about the 6 weeks holidays. I wanted to blog what I've been doing each day. I have crafted a little each day but can't post pics yet as most of them are projects submitted to the Elusive Images Design Team. So pop over to have a look to see what these clever ladies have been creating. http://elusiveimagesdesignteam.blogspot.com/
Thanks for popping by
Debbie

Hols over and washing done

2010-08-16T11:36:00.000-07:00
We had a lovely holiday and we missed the majority of the cloud bursts. I must say that a week away definately recharges the batteries. We stayed in Hawes and travelled around the area, seeing some beautiful countryside. I love to sit on an evening just taking in the views.

As you can see Archie took in the views aswell. He settled really well.
He enjoyed his visit to Graphicus on the Tuesday of the holiday. We popped in to drop off my sample cards for the Design team.
Here's another couple of my samples I sent in when I applied.

Reminder to me (This is day 25 of the hols)
Have a good evening
Debbie

Busy day today

2010-08-04T14:20:00.000-07:00
Day 13 has been my D Hubbies birthday. He has recently passed his driving test and we had bought a car. So I bought him things for the car. He was as pleased as punch. I didn't buy a birthda cake I made orange and orange/chocolate cupcakes. Yummy. We've had a barbecue and he was left to it.
I've been finishing off my Elusive Images Design Team samples this morning. Jack my son asked me at lunch time to make a card for his lovely girl friend Jess (tomorrow). It wasn't quite an Aarghh moment as I had already thought what I was making.
Enormous pile of ironing that needs attention tomorrow.
Night Night Debbie.

Busy weekend

2010-08-02T14:44:00.000-07:00
This is one of the cards I sent in to apply to join the Elusive Image Design Team.
I used my scalloped square nestie to cut a mask. I chalked the edge with a light green and stamped the flowers with a greeny olive colour. The wording was done on the PC. I made a similar card when a friends husband passed away.

The weekend has been filled up with shopping, washing, taxi ing. Getting the washing out on the line is important at the moment. Our house backs onto a secondary school. Anyone remember Chris Rea singing Stainsby Girls, well it's going to be demolished soon. There's a brand spanking rebuild. So dust is going to be a problem over the next few weeks.
Off to add the finishing touches to another card.
Debbie
xxx

Day 8 of the holidays

2010-07-29T14:21:00.000-07:00
Today my big boy has been looking at chemistry stuff. I on the other hand have been on printer heaven. I brought home my Essence of Nature cd from Graphicus yesterday. So in between making samples for the design team I've been printing off papers and lots of other exciting things. I feel it's difficult to say that I have a favourite as the papers are all stroky and feely.
Glenda, Lesley and I were talking about art and children yesterday. Here are a feew examples of the artwork I've been involved with. These are the work of 9, 10 and 11 year olds.

Day 7 of the holidays

2010-07-28T14:11:00.000-07:00
Today has been a good day. The weather stayed fine and after dropping DS at the hospital, today looking at blood, drove over to Barnard Castle. I love the drive as the scenery is mind clearing. The farmers had started cutting the fields so there was a multitude of different colours. There was a buzz when I arrived at Graphicus. The new Essence of Nature cd had arrived. I had intended to stay a while and have a good look around so volunteered to get involved in the packing production line. I kept thinking of peoples faces when they browse through the cd. Having had a brief look around mine 'It's the best so far'
I'll leave tonights post with one of the cards I sent in for my Elusive Images Design Team entries.

Hubbys birthday card in the making

2010-07-27T15:07:00.001-07:00

I bought this stamp yesterday and love the image. It can be coloured in a variety of ways. I coloured this one with distressed inks, brushed corduroy and antique linen.

Day 6 of the holidays

2010-07-27T13:16:00.000-07:00
Today I can unzip my lips. I've been bursting with excitment to let the whole world know that I've been chosen to join a wonderful group if people on the Elusive Images Design Team.
http://elusiveimagesdesignteam.blogspot.com/
I feel so honoured to work with such a talented bunch. I fell in love with stamping about 6 years ago and fumbled around for quite some time. As time has passed I've become more confident and not been put off by the odd mis-stamped image.
I bought my first stamp from Elusive Images about 6 years ago and love the their designs. My stamp collection started to grow after watching Glendas demonstrations on the TV.
Glenda and the team never cease to amaze me when my Graphicus Guild newsletter drops through the post box. The newsletters are a constant source of information and inspiration. I think this is how my skills have developed.
I'd like to say a huge thanks to Glenda and the team. So keep popping back to see what I'm up to.
To finish with an update on the works expeience, DS has been helping to culture poo, spit and pee samples. Urghh. He thought it was brill but a off putting just before lunch.
Debbie
xxx

Day 5 of the holidays

2010-07-26T14:27:00.000-07:00
Something exciting is happening, will post more info later in the week.
Today my baby boy, now 17yrs started his work experience. He seemed to like it. He wants to be a doctor and needs work experience to be able to put it on his University application statement. He's hoping to get some more voluntree work from it.

Day 4 of the holidays

2010-07-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

Today I set out on a mission to get rid of the bamboo that's hiding in the picture.
The border was planted in 2006 and boy has it spread. Hubby dug, I pulled and chopped. We have only cleared a little bit of it. The roots run all over the place.
When we've finished I think we'll have reclaimed 2 thirds of the border.
An early start tomorrow as Jacks doing works experience at the local hospital.
Debbie
xxx

Day 3 of the holidays

2010-07-24T13:51:00.000-07:00
Today the weathers been good and it's been a productive day. A friend from school gave me a gift on Wednesday of a lovely note book. I got it out this morning and have started to record cards made in the front and ideas in the back.
I've had a really relaxing day cutting and colouring, will post my efforts at a later date.
I bought this Joanna Sheen stamp the last Graphicus open day. Think I'll colour another to put on the top of my laptop. The stamp stamps so well and colour with copics and promarkers. I love the copic E50 and E51 for skin colours.

Day 2 of the school holidays

2010-07-23T13:41:00.001-07:00

This morning I took off to a friends house for a coffee and a crafty chat. I'm not an expert on blogging but I managed to help her with a few things. I made this card a few days ago for a friends 50th birthday. The flourish is from Papermania and the butterflies are the Martha Stewart stamp and punch. I love the simplicity of the butterflies. I added a little diamond stickles to the butterflies. The 50 was cut on my craft robo and the oval is a nestable. (note to self I need more nestabilitites)
Off to put some finishing touches to a christmas card I'm working on.

Day 1 of the school holidays

2010-07-22T12:56:00.000-07:00
Well today has been a lazy day. The weather has been drizzly and I need to get out to do some weeding. Oh shame. So I played with some new stamps and did a little housework, only a little.
Tomorrow will be a more productive day.

Sad day

2010-07-20T13:43:00.000-07:00
Today I've been to the funeral of my Aunt. She was married to my Mums brother and was the last of that certain type of relative. She was such a character and a wonderful lady. She had brought up my two cousins on her own as my uncle died very young. She was so thrifty and a wonderful artist, painting a whole dinner service. The service was very nice.
Tomorrow is the last day of term and I'm looking forward to a sleep in on Thursday.
Debbie

Wedding card and box

2010-07-16T23:22:00.000-07:00
I made this card and the exploding boxes for a friend at work who wanted a special card for her sister and new brother in law. She had told me that the bridesmaids were wearing beige dresses. I distressed the edges with antique rose. The box is for little memories from their day ie confetti, name plates etc. I enjoy making people smile. I'll be busy making another for another friend whose son is getting married in September.
I have a busy weekend, car is going in for a rrecall this morning then shopping. Off to see Jason Manford this evening. A long dog walk tomorrow and some h*******k tomorrow.
Counting down the days to the 6 weeks hols and then part time Yeah!

Mermaids from Graphicus

2010-06-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

What's in the box

2010-06-14T14:52:00.000-07:00
I couldn't wait any longer I had to post these.

Me receiving my goodies

2010-06-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

I'm a winner

2010-06-12T14:56:00.000-07:00
Today I was the lucky recipient of what I'd say is a treasure chest of crafting goodies.
Graphicus was 10 years old and I made a shadow box with cupcakes on it. This was entered into a competition and I won. YIPEE!!!
It was an open day today and I collected my prize. I waited till I got home and was astounded at the amount of the crafty goodiness inside. I'll be playing for weeks.
I also made a few 'I need purchases'
Joanna Sheens Housework Diva stamp and Tim Holtz Vintage shabby 12x12 papers.
Here's what I've put together tonight.

Blog Candy

2010-06-05T23:57:00.000-07:00
There are some delicious stamps over on Jak Heaths blog being offered as candy. Pop over and take a look.
http://www.jakheath.com/

2010-05-30T15:11:00.000-07:00
A few cards. I've been playing. I'm spending hours colouring in.

Amy's home

2010-05-30T14:14:00.000-07:00
Poor Archie got a make over tonight (of sorts). I can't believe he just stood and let her put a hoody on him.

Blog Candy

2010-05-25T13:48:00.000-07:00
Jak Heath has promarker candy on offer. Pop over and take a look.

A real challenge for me

2010-05-23T00:44:00.001-07:00
A friend at work asked me earlier in the week to make a card for her nephews wedding. I've not been asked t make a civil wedding card before. So after a lot of thought and studying the invite I remembered I had a leaf the same shape as the one on the invite. I'ts from Graphicus retro flower stamp plate. My friend showed the card to her sister and then came a second order. I neede to make it special. I made an easel card a little larger than usual. The corner stamp is from the 'with sympathy stamp plate from Graphicus. The difficulty I had was trying to stay away from too feminine. All were pleased with the results.

2010-05-23T00:33:00.000-07:00
I love Mo Mannings images, her art work is fab. I fell in love with this rabbit and sent a couple of belated birthday cards.
I recently bought a couple of packs of promarkers after only having bought copics before and I think I'm going to have a foot in both camps. I do love the super brush on te copic but there are lovely colours in the promarkers as well. Think I'll keep colouring with both.

The day goes swimmingly

2010-04-24T12:55:00.000-07:00
Glenda is bearing gifts over at
http://artylicious.wordpress.com pop over and take a look.

Well what a week. We've been really busy at work with 5 members of staff stranded around the world due to the volcano dust. We took Archie back to the veets as he's limping now which he wasn't before his xray last Friday. We think it's due to being pulled arounnd trying to get a good xray. We took him to the vets on Thursday and he is taking anti-inflamatories.After speaking to Lynn R H last weekend we popped to the local hydrotherapy pool and Archie went for his first swim. He wasn't keen but did very well. He has been a little better but we were told that he'd probably stiffen up tomorrow. We will definately take him again next week.

Poor Archie

2010-04-19T12:55:00.000-07:00
Archie's back legs have been stiffing up after we've been out for a walk so when we had a regular appointment at the vets they recommended an xray. He was fianlly sedated after a horse sized amount and they did the xray. The vet told us that they're not the best or worse that he's seen and told us e needs to loose alot of weight. Dad gives into these sad eyes far to much. I think cutting out most of the treats and not giving in at all. We've got him food recommended by the vets and thankfully he loves it (cost enough)
What a sad face.

I had a lovely suprise at work today, a friend I've made her wedding invites for sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I enjoyed making them and was really pleased with the results. Will post pics wen she's sent them all out.

I've been playing making flowers. Love them.

Good News

2010-04-07T14:31:00.000-07:00
Today Brian recieved a phone call from Corus to offer him a job that he'd had an interview for two weeks ago. The interview process for the remaining jobs at Corus has been confusing. He'd had a call last week about a job that he really didn't want so over the weekend we'd resigned ourselves to the fact he was going to be unemployed and talked over the things we'd need to put in place.
So when he got the call today for the job he'd wanted he smiled like a cheshire cat. It will hopefully be for two years but that's not definate. This has made us think about the systems we need to put in place for the next few years. Things will be changing for the best I hope.
SO twenty years on my feelings for my hubby are greater than ever (he's my rock)and the journey has been up more than down hill.
Here's to another twenty.

Feeling Good

2010-04-07T14:09:00.000-07:00
Haven't posted for a couple of weeks because I haven't felt like being to positive. I've been journalling to get it all out.
My DH booked for the two of us to go to Chester and Liverpool on the coach for the weekend. It is our 20th wedding anniversary today.
I enjoy travelling by coach or train as my hubby doesn't drive so I miss out on the views. The people on the coach were a very friendly bunch and varied in age. On Saturday we wandered around Chester and the weather was beautiful. There were some lovely shops to wander around. The hotel was fine and the food was delicious. Had a good nights sleep after a few glasses of wine. Neither of us have been sleeping well so it was a bonus.
We set off to Liverpool early and I felt like a little girl waiting with anticipation as I remember going to Liverpool with my Dad when I was about 8 years old. My Dad was in the mearchant Navy and the company he worked for were based there. He took my to a very posh cafe for afternoon tea. I remember feeling very important. I did have a very special relationship with my Dad and miss him dearly.
A word of advice don't go to Liverpool on Easter Sunday 'IT'S CLOSED'.
We went to the maritime museum and found some memorabilia that was a blast from the past. Match boxes that Dad would have in his suitcase and a ship that he'd travelled around the world on. I felt a sense of satisfaction and we're going to make a return journey hopefully later in the year.

Christening photo

2010-03-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

Printing text on to card

2010-03-14T13:03:00.000-07:00
I usually print text on to cards using MS word programme. Type the text in when you've decided whether you are making the card landscape or potrait. I always select the centre on the tool bar. Play for a while postioning using enter, backspace and spacebar. Hope this helps.

1st March

2010-03-01T03:26:00.000-08:00
First off, Happy St. Davids Day. I always remember this because today's my birthday. It's not a special one but it's been yucky because I've been off colour since Thursday. I've always suffered from sore throats being off school regularly up until I had my tonsils remmoved when I was about 8yrs old. I remember recovering quickly as my poor Dad had his taken out within weeks of me and he was groggy for weeks after.
I think my problem lies with working in school as some of our little ones who are going through what I did. My problem is that when I now get a sore throat all my glands go into over drive and end up like golf balls. My neck is so sore, ears, under arms and the tops of my legs. I feel so tired that I just sleep round the clock. Well I was off to see the Doctor on Staurday knowing that I needed antibiotics and started them straight away.They usually take a few days to kick in. So here I am, off work on my birthday a little fed up.
I opened my pressies yesterday as DD was home from Uni (she ws expecting us to go out for a slap up meal, didn't happen).
The thing that has made my day is that I managed to get the Tim Holtz pick of the week from QVC.
Hubby said this morning 'You must be ill you haven't made a card' and then went out with his mates from work who've been made redundant and have already finished.
I'm looking forward to feeling alot better tomorrow and going back to work.

2010-01-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

I just love this couple. It's a Mo Manning image and I imagine my Mum and Dad wolud have looked like this if they'd been alive today. I thought over Xmas how proud they'd of been of there grandchildren.

2010-01-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

I made this for Bri.

2010-01-17T13:43:00.000-08:00

I made this one for Jack.

2010-01-17T13:41:00.000-08:00

I made this card for Amy at Xmas. The image is from Mo Manning it reminds me of Archie.

2010-01-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

Another simple card. Graphicus tree bare.

2010-01-17T13:35:00.000-08:00

I've been sorting stamps and I love this one.

2010-01-17T13:28:00.000-08:00

Another cute hammy.

2010-01-17T13:24:00.000-08:00

I love Mo Mannings digital images, they are always sweet. I enjoy colouring them it's theraputic.

2010-01-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

I made this card from a kit for a friends birthday, making an early start this year.

2010-01-17T13:02:00.001-08:00

Another simple card. Internet keeps crashing!!!! ARRGGHH

2010-01-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

I printed the wording on the computer, stamped the birds and then coloured with copics.

2010-01-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

This is Archie on Xmas morn with his large bone and his soft toys. He plays with them for a couple of days and then shreds them, the stuffing ends up ALL over the house. We've found that Ikea toys last a little longer than others.

Xmas morning

2009-12-25T00:30:00.000-08:00
I have some time this morning as poor hubby is at work, Jack is in bed and Amy's gone off to church with her boyfriend. We are having lunch tomorrow so there's no stress. I recieved lots of lovely presents from family and friends.
I'm going to try and catch up on posting photos from this year.

Like xmas for Archie

2009-12-06T13:48:00.000-08:00
The funniest thing happened last night. I was so pleased our daughter was home to see what un folded.
Now this is how it goes.
Darling hubby goes into the hall with a tub of doggy treats.
He started to fill the wall hanging advent calender.
It wasn't long before super dog got a whiff of what was going on.

Then it was up onto the radiator and help myself to a few treats.

Needless to say Hubby had to take them all out, Archie's a tall dog
We laughed for ages after.

Blog Candy

2009-09-29T12:34:00.001-07:00

Playing with new xmas stamp

2009-08-21T12:28:00.000-07:00
I was lucky enough to go over to Barnard Castle on Wed evening and pop into Graphicus. My hubby, the kids and archie went for a walk while I watched Glenda and Lynn make some beautiful cards. I need to take a few photos.
Here are a few congratulations cards I made for Amy's friends for their A level results.

Man Met Crewe here she comes

2009-08-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

Today I'm a very proud Mum. Amy my dd has got the grades to get her into Man Met, Crewe campus WWWWWWHHHHHHHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's Jacks turn next week

2009-08-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

I've fallen in love with the art work of Mo Manning. It feels a little like cheating but the images are gorgeous. I used my copics to colour them, ideal when sitting with leg up.

Clarity shoe stamped onto patterned paper and then cut out.

Polka doodles cd ideal for the little girl next doors birthday, lovely cd to play with.

A rare photo of me, usually hate them. Hubby and I went off to York for 2 days and stayed in a lovely hotel, very relaxing.

2009-08-19T02:12:00.000-07:00

A friend from work wanted a card for her brother in law who's into tattoos. Was pleased with the finished card.

I bought this stamp at the Harrogate show and love the image.

Fed up

2009-08-19T01:42:00.000-07:00
Two weeks ago I woke up with a swollen knee. I thought 'oh no' not again. Two years ago I my right knee locked and when it released there was a sickening pop. Should have gone to the docs straight away but thought (like we all do) it'll be alright. After a scan on my leg I found out that I'd had a Bakers Cyst that had ruptured. It took weeks for the fluid to clear from my knee and ankle. Very sore.
So two weeks ago we took the dog out for a good walk on the Saturday everything was fine, then Sunday my knee swelled up. Off I went to the Docs when my ankle was filling. It's a pain because I get up on a morning and I can feel my ankle bone but by lunch time it's sore and swollen. Fortunately I'm off work at the moment. So I've been making a few cards. Here are a few.
I'm also biting my nails as Amy recieves her A level results tomorrow with her boyfriend(everything crossed) and Jack his GCSEs next week.
Inspired by the team at Graphicus

A good friend was retiring from work, I didn't want to make a big card so I made 40 small ones so everybody could write a message.

Bev's got candy on offer

2009-08-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

This is the candy Bev has on offer to a lucky winner over on All the things I love.

Oh how Archie has grown

2009-08-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

He seems to be still growing week by week. Just love him to bits.

A few cards and catching up

2009-08-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

Lost my camera so I've been taking pics on my mobile. The software is a nuisance so I couldn't believe how many were on there. Here are a few.

2009-06-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

Candy over on Elusive Images

2009-06-19T13:16:00.000-07:00
Today Glenda started to give away delicious stamp candy ahead of the launch of new stamps. Pop over to the website to have a chance of winning.
www.elusiveimagesdesignteam.blogspot.com

Archie is growing so quickly

2009-06-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

This week Archie recieved hia first certificate from puppy trainning. He's now socialized? He's getting better at walking out of the front gate. We've taken him out and had him off his lead. He's staying close to us and comes to us when he's called. Things are looking good. Here are a few more recent pics.

Archies Daddy, Ben.

Archie at the beach digging his first hole.

Archie with Brian at open day at the puppy class.

Archie getting comforrtable on the ironing basket. I thought he was going to empty it.