OSAATchallenge #28 with Kenny K

Hi Everyone, today sees the start of another brilliant challenge over at the One Stitch at a Time Challenge blog. This week we have a choice of challenges or you could use them both:

Girlie and/or use the below photo for colour inspiration

We have a brand new sponsor for this challenge - the amazing Kenny K. 

 I was lucky enough to have a Kenny K image to use on my card - she is called Alice Chains and is available here.   The Kenny K digis really are the most amazing quality and are brilliant to colour.  Kenny K are offering some digis for the prize this week so check out the One Stitch at a Time challenge blog for all of the details.
Here's what I've used:

Image - Alice Chains from Kenny K, coloured with pro markers
Papers - from DCWV
Sentiment "Girls just wanna have fun"- printed from PC
Black flat backed pearls

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Truly Scrumptious - I used their sketch
Crafty Cardmakers - Video inspiration (Lady Gaga)
Stampin for the Weekend - Anything Goes
Crafty Emma's - Anything Goes


So, I can't wait to see what you make for our challenge and don't forget to have a look at the other DT blogs - they've come up with some great ideas for this challenge!

Thanks for stopping by,

Amanda

Two wins today!!!

I'm not usually the kind of person who wins things, so to have two wins in one day is just fantastic!  Please forgive me, but I just need to have a little boast about my wins!!!

Firstly, my red Tilda Christmas card was picked in the Top 3 over at Die Cut Dreams Christmas Club challenge - so I'm now displaying my winners badge with pride.  I decided that if I take part in this challenge each week, I should have my cards made in time for Christmas, rather than be still making them on Christmas Eve (yes, I have done that before now).

Secondly, I have won 3rd prize in the candy giveaway over at Crafty Emma's Store Challenge blog.  My prize is a set of the new Aqua Markers.  I can't wait to try those!  Her very first challenge is "Anything Goes" so no excuses for not entering that challenge this week.

Just a minute, if its my lucky day, I'd better check my lottery tickets.......!

Back tomorrow with a card, unless I've won the jackpot (in which case, I'll be on a plane to a hot and sunny climate!).

Amanda

Farrah's amazing blog is well worth a visit and her blog candy

If you haven't checked out Inky Dream's amazing blog yet, why not?  I have followed this blog for a while now and it is a great source of inspiration.  Farrah creates some of the most lovely card sets and papercraft creations with a great mix of colours and style.

She also has some lovely candy available on her blog at the moment - click here to read more.  Trust me, it really is a blog worth visiting and following!

Amanda

Christmas Tilda

I didn't notice that this was a Christmas Tilda stamp when I bought it.  I have used it before but I've just covered the holly in her hair with a flower or a gem.  So this is the first time that I've used the stamp to make a Christmas card - any excuse to overload the glitter!  I've used my nestabilities (labels 4) to cut the main shape but I do find that some of the more ornate shapes don't really layer too well because the die sizes are too different.

TOP TIP!  I cut out the spotted paper with my largest die.  To get a perfect sized mat for it, I then hand drew around the same die onto my green card.  Cut this shape out by hand and it will then be the perfect size for matting and layering!

The papers are all from DCWV and the Tilda with Presents image is coloured with Pro Markers.  The lace, ribbon and pearls are all from my stash and I've added a little "Made for You" charm to the bow.  I have hand stitched around the card using DMC Cotton Perle as this is a bit thicker than normal thread and I wanted the stitches to stand out well. 

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

I love pro markers - Charming

Die Cut Dream Christmas Club - Tilda in Red

Totally Tilda - Stitching

Creative Card Crew - Sparkle and Shine

Crafty Ann's - Christmas in August

Sew Many Challenges - Christmas

The Creative Cottage - Christmas

Thanks for looking and come back soon!

Amanda

One Stitch at a Time Challenge #27

Hi Everyone, today sees the start of another brilliant challenge over at the One Stitch at a Time Challenge blog. The challenge for this weeks is:

Say it with Shapes 

It doesn't matter what you make ... a card, a scrap book layout, a gift box ... as long as you stick to this week's theme and use shapes on your project (squares, stars, circles, ovals, etc).

I've gone with a circle theme on my card and I have used the brilliant image "Brat" by Beary Dust, available from the Stitchy Bear and I Did It Creations Crafting Boutique here.  

For this challenge we are being sponsored by Craft Brulee who have a fantastic selection of crafting embellishments in their shop. 

Here's what I've used:

Image -Brat image, by Beary Dust at the Stitchy Store, coloured with pro markers

Papers - Papermania

Ribbon and other bits - from stash  

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Ooh La La - Spots and Dots
Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes
Wild Orchid - One for the Girls
Paper Cutz - Anything Goes
Stamp Something - Use a digi
My time to craft - Glitter and Glitz
Creative Card Crew - Sparkle and Shine

So, I can't wait to see what you make for our challenge and don't forget to have a look at the other DT blogs - they've come up with some great ideas for this challenge!

Just before I go, on 12th September 2010 over at the One Stitch at a Time blog, we will be having a charity/ awareness campaign in support of Autism. Please visit here to find out more about the campaign.

Amanda

Craft Your Days Away Challenge #2

Wow!  What an amazing response we had to our very first challenge over at Craft Your Days Away - 238 entries!  Thank you to each and every one of you that joined us.  I know that Joanne had a terrible job choosing the top 3 and our guest designer to join in with challenge #3, there were so many fantastic entries. 

The new challenge for the next fortnight is another great one for you to join along with:

Things with Wings

Interprete that how you like - it could be fairies, butterflies, angels, dragonflies, birds or even aeroplanes. It doesn't necessarily need to be a card - it can be any craft project, as long as you've made it yourself. 

We have a lovely prize on offer and also the chance for one of you to join us as guest designer for challenge #4.  Pop over to the challenge blog to have a look at the details.

 

For my card I have used a lovely Pollycraft image, coloured with pro markers.  The papers are from My Mind's Eye and the corner swirls is a Sizzlits die.  The pearls and other bits are all from my stash.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Craftalicious - Pearls and Swirls

Wild Orchid - One for the girls

My time to craft - Glitter and glitz

Stamp Something - Use a digi

Don't forget to join in with the challenge - I can't wait ot see what you come up with!

Amanda

And the awards go to .......

I have to thank Jenny over at My Inky Hands for awarding me with my very first blog award.  Her blog is amazing and I was really pleased with my award - thank you so much Jenny.

Right, here are the rules for accepting this award........

1. Thank the person who gave you this award.

2. Put the award on your blog

3. List 3 things about yourself.

4. Post a picture you love.

5. Tag 5 other people for the award.

So, here goes .....


1. and 2. done

3. Three things about myself:

• I have several qualifications in floristry (although this is not my profession) and it is my dream to one day retire from my "proper job" and have my own floristry/craft shop.
• I am celebrating a big birthday later on this year that ends in an "0" - enough said! 
• I am a bit like a squirrel when it comes to crafting goodies - I manage to hide bits everywhere around the house and often end up forgetting where I put them or what I've actually got!

4. I love this picture; it is one of the rare times that I have a photo with all four of us on.  So it's me, my other half and our two boys.  It was taken in June this year when we went on a cruise.  This was taken on Captain's Night which is why we've all got our best gear on! 

5. There are so many more than 5 people I would love to give the award to but, that's the rules, so here are the five people I nominate to receive this award and please pay a visit to their blogs, you won't be disappointed.

Missy (Missy B's cards) - for introducing me to blogging and always being there for a crafty conversation when everyone else glazes over and for your lovely cards and for lending me some of your rubber stamps (see the LOTV bear below this post for one)!
Farrah (Inky Dream) - I love her creations - so stylish
Doreen (Doreen's Dream) - for always being one of the first to put lovely comments on my blog and for her lovely cards.
Gemma (Handmade by Gem) - love her creations
Leigh (Charity Crafter) - I love how she gives her time and creations to help others

Like I said, I would have love to have given you all an award, you deserve it!

Thanks for popping by,

Amanda

Lili of the Valley bear

Thank you so much for the kind comments and encouragement you have given me since my laser eye surgery on Saturday.  It has been good to read of your experiences and that those of you who've had it done too are still able to craft.  As a crafter and hand stitcher I had fantastic near vision (but couldn't see clearly if it was 6" from my nose!) and I was concerned that I would not be able to enjoy my favourite past times.  

I made this card last night so I am still able to enjoy my crafting - it is just strange because my close up focus is now how it should be (12-18" away) and it is just a bit wierd getting used to sitting up and still being able to see my work clearly.  Computing is still a bit strange too - anything bright white seems to have a haze around it, I am hoping this will improve a bit with time.

So, onto the card - the image is from Lili of the Valley and I have used their current challenge sketch.  The papers are from DCWV and the corner accent is a Sizzlits die.

I stamped the image twice and decoupaged the hat and the paws/star.  I coloured the image with pro markers and used Cosmic Shimmer glitter on the hat.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Lili of the Valley - I used their sketch

Creative Cottage - Christmas

Just Cute Bears - Butons and blooms

I have just found out a few minutes ago that Jenny has nominated my blog for an award - my first one!  I am so pleased.  I need to get my award and display it with pride on my blog now!!!

Thanks for stopping by,

Amanda

Why crafting's been off the agenda and Workdesk Wednesday

Since last Saturday crafting has had to be completely off my agenda, hence the lack of posts that I have done this week.  After about 10 years of deliberating, I finally make the decision to have laser eye surgery, which was carried out on Saturday afternoon.  Thankfully it has been a success and I am now glasses free for the first time in 21 years!  I have had lots of bruising and bleeding on my eyes and hopefully my sight will improve even more over the next few weeks as the healing takes place.

I was very scared when I had it done and once the anaesthetic wore off the next 12 hours were a lot worse than I was expecting - but that is probably because of the amount of bruising I had on my eyes.  The clinic where I had them done have been brilliant and I have been back several times already for them to keep a check on me.

So, crafting has been akward as I adjust to being able to see beyond my nose!  Teddy bear making is completely off limits because of the fibres of mohair and kapok that tend to float in the air and blogging has had to be kept to a minimum.  On a positive note, housework is also off limits because I cannot risk getting any dust into my eyes - I am getting good at delegating tasks! 

As I have no projects to show you, I will share a few pics for Workdesk Wednesday with you (although it is more work cupboard as my workdesk is clear!). 

So in the corner of my bedroom you will find a wardrobe door that holds a crafty secret......

This wardrobe has had lots of shelves added to keep my stash - floor to ceiling crafty bits 'n' bobs!  I know that it looks like organised chaos but if I tidied it, I would never find anything!

How many more of you use re-cycled containers for holding your embellishments.  Did I really eat that many Chinese takeaways???  I'm running out of containers, must be time for another takeaway soon!!!

So, sorry I haven't been around.  I will try and get round to visit some of you soon and get some cards made in the next few days.  Thanks for stopping by,

Amanda

One Stitch at a Time challenge #26

Hi Everyone, today sees the start of another brilliant challenge over at the One Stitch at a Time Challenge blog. The challenge for this weeks is:

Pack a punch


So, we want you to dust off your paper punches and make sure that you have included a punched shaped on your project in order to play along in the challenge.

On my card I have used the brilliant image "Lola been shopping" by Eiglas, available from the Stitchy Bear Stamps store here.  I managed to use these 5 paper punches on my card:

For this challenge we are being sponsored by Stitchy Bear . Pop over to the challenge blog to see what our prize is for this challenge.

Here's what I've used:
Image - Lola been shopping, by Eiglas, coloured with pro markers
Papers - from Hot off the Press
Paper punches - Martha Stewart border punch, Woodware Grass punch, X cut retro flower small and large. Hobbycraft corner rounder
Charm and pearls from stash
Sentiment printed from PC

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Crafty Cardmakers - Birthdays
Donna's Den - Something sweet
Wild Orchid Crafts - Something for the girls
Creative Card Crew - Cute and girly
KAH Wink E Dink - Digi stamp
Dare U2 digi stamp - Blooms and charms
Kaboodle doodles - add a little metal

So, I can't wait to see what you make for our challenge and don't forget to have a look at the other DT blogs - they've come up with some great ideas for this challenge!


Thanks for stopping by,

Christmas Wishes and CES new challenge blog

I decided that I really must make a start with some Christmas cards because it will surely be here before I know it!

The image is one I had from Pollycraft last Christmas and is still one of my favourite Christmas ones.  The rest of the stuff is from my DCWV stash.

I coloured the image with pro markers and added lots of Cosmic Shimmer glitter - well, it is Christmas so I can get away with loads of glitter now.  My favourite card making time of the year - I love the sparkle!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Just Cute Bears - Bear and Me (the "and me" is the little robin!)

Ooh La La - Spots and Dots

KAH Wink E Dink - Digital Stamp

Penny's Challenge - Anything Goes

Also, Crafty Emma who is a fellow DT member from the Craft Your Days Away challenge blog has got a lovely on line store and has just started her very own Crafty Emma's Store Challenge blog.  The first challenge launches on 28th August 2010 but there is some fantastic candy up for grabs before the challenge starts - see you there!

Thanks for looking,

Amanda

Digi Stamp Boutique Coco ted

Sorry, but this is going to be another quick post.  I made this card for a few challenges and just realised that the one who's sketch I used ends in 9 minutes (and counting).

The inspiration for this card is the small scrap of roses paper from Hot Off The Press which I couldn't bear to throw away.  I teamed it with the lovely Coco with Roses image from Digi Stamp Boutique.  It is one of the few cards I have made that I am happy with and wouldn't want to change anything.  I've coloured Coco with my pro markers and all other bits are from my stash.

I am going to enter this card into the following challenges:

I love pro markers - sketch (I rotated it, hope that's okay) and up to 3 colours.

Charizma Cards - Teddy Bears

Creative Card Crew - Cute and Girly

Penny's Challenge - Anything Goes

Cute Card Thursday - Whateva!

Ooh La La - spots and dots

Digi Stamp Boutique - monthly competition (their image)

Sorry it's a flying visit today.  Thanks for popping by and come back soon!

Amanda

Join in with the new challenge at Craft Your Days Away - my 1st DT card

Well, it is finally here - the launch of a brand new challenge blog CRAFT YOUR DAYS AWAY!

Our very first challenge is a great one for you all to join in:

Favourite Things

Remember, we are a multi crafts blog so you can enter with a card, a scrap book page, an altered item, anything, so long as you've crafted it yourself.

I've made my card to reflect my favourite things:

1.    Shopping.  I love to shop, so long as it is for craft stash or handbags.  Any other kind of shopping - forget it, I'm not interested!  The Cherry Kisses image is by Pollycraft (which are one of my favourites too!) and I've coloured it with pro markers.

2.    Pink, purple and black - I like clean and simple styles and I love these new Back to Basics papers from Dovecraft.

3.    Sewing - I love to hand make teddy bears so I have added faux stitching and buttons to reflect my love of sewing.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Fab 'n' Funky - Spots and Stripes

Die Cut Dreams - Gingham

Dutch Dare - Anything goes

Penny's Papercraft challenges - Anything goes

 

I can't wait to see what your favourite things are so, Craft Your Days Away and join in our challenge!

Thanks for looking!

Amanda

Tilda in blue

To be able to complete a whole card seems to be a bit of an accomplishment lately - life, school holidays to be exact, seems to be getting in the way of my crafting,  I am becoming more and more of a Tilda fan - I know that I'm definitely not alone on that!

I've coloured Tilda with Pro Markers, in an unusual colour scheme for me and edged it with Cosmic Shimmer glitter.  The floral and striped papers are from Henbury Lane (Papermania) and the polka dot paper is from Dovecraft's Back to Basics range.  There's a bit of lace and a dragonfly from a haberdashery and the roses and charm are from my stash. 

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Fab 'n' Funky - Spots and Stripes

The Pixie Cottage - Feeling Blue plus I used their sketch

Ooh La La - Birthdays

Wild Orchid - Lovely lace

Dutch Dare - Anything Goes

Creative Friday - Things with wings (dragonfly)

Thanks for looking and don't forget to stop by tomorrow to see my DT card for the new challenge blog that launches tomorrow - Craft Your Days Away!

Amanda

What's on your work desk Wednesday?

I've just finished work for the week so time to get crafting.  There's no cards to show you at the moment so I thought I'd show you what's on my work desk (or dining table to be exact!) and join in at the Stamping Ground with their What's on my work desk Wednesday?

I have just finished my DT card for the new challenge blog Craft Your Days Away which launches on Saturday morning. We have some lovely candy up for grabs at the moment.  Try and join us if you can, we've some fab challenges lined up with some great sponsors.  I've had to hide my DT card because that's the only one I've made yet and can't give you a sneaky peek just yet!

So, to the right of my laptop there's my tin of new Christmas stamps, some Pollycraft digi images I've just printed off, my favourite paper punch, pro markers and my new Back to Basics paper from Dovecraft.

I can't wait to use the Penny Johnson stamp of the little girl and her doggie; I won the snowman stamp from the Secret Crafter Freebie Friday and there's a Little Claire snowman together with a couple WoJ Christmas stamps.  The Tilda and teddy couple were started for challenges last week but time was no on my side last week, so I'll try and get something made with them this week.

To the left of my laptop is my sewing bag with the teddy bear I am sewing.  It is the softest, plush mohair in a pale gold colour ... can't wait to finish it!

Thanks for looking at my work desk, I am so envious of some of the other work desks out there today!

While you're browsing, why not take a peek at Jenny's fabulous blog, My Inky Hands, she has some lovely candy in the form of two super cute Squiggle Stamps for a lucky follower.  Her blog is amazing and is a brilliant source of insipration for any card maker,

Amanda

One Stitch At A Time Challenge #24 DT card

Hi Everyone, today sees the start of another brilliant challenge over at the One Stitch at a Time Challenge blog. This week we have a brilliant sketch for you to follow:

and if you could use some PINK that would be great too!

On my card I have used the brilliant Olliver Owl image from Sew Many Cards available here. There's a huge selection of great images available at their shop.



For this challenge we have two great sponsors - Sew Many Cards (great digi images) and Hobby Habit (superb die cuts and other bits 'n' bobs).   See the buttons on my sidebar to visit their shops.  Why not pop over to the challenge blog to see what great prizes we have on offer this challenge. 

Here's what I've used:
Image - Olliver Owl, coloured with pro markers
Papers - from Stack 6 DCWV
Woodware Grass paper punch
Flowers and swirls - Sizzlits dies
Sentiment printed from PC

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Ooh La La - Birthdays
Crazy Challenge - Birthdays
For fun challenges - bright summer colours
Creative Friday - things with wings
Polka Doodles - something generic male/female
Creative Inspirations - Anything goes
Charizma Cards - something with a tail

So, I can't wait to see what you make for our challenge and don't forget to have a look at the other DT blogs - they've come up with some great ideas for this challenge!


Thanks for stopping by,

Amanda

My blog candy winner announced ......

I forgot all about my blog candy closing last night - sorry!!!

Anyway, I've done the draw this morning using random.org.  I still can't work out how to copy the page onto my blog so I took a photo instead.  Get ready (drum roll please!!!) ....and the winner is ....

... number 10 DAZIE.

Dazie please leave me a comment under this post with your contact details (it will not be automatically published and I will delete it as soon as I've read it) and I will get your candy to you a.s.a.p.

Thanks everyone for taking part and playing along with me!

Amanda