Going Green...

Hi Everyone...

 

I've got a busy week coming up - Easter weekend for us, which HOPEFULLY means lots of people visiting the caravan park (and spending lots of money!) and joining in with our Easter programme.  I need to prepare for the Easter Egg Hunt and Scavenger Hunt on Sunday, as well as organising the Saturday Disco, Sunday Bingo and finishing the Spring Newsletter!  I also have family (brother, niece and nephew) staying with me over the weekend, so I've been relegated to the spare room!  Busy, busy, busy... never too busy for cardmaking though, at least that's what I hope!!!

 

I've never made a pop-up slider card before , so I thought I'd give it a go... I'm fairly pleased with my first effort, although I have managed to smudge my sentiments, some how!  I made it on my 'GYPSY' first (hoping I'd got the measurements right!), and cut out a dummy-run on scrap paper.  Since it seemed to work out, I loaded up my papers and cut with my Cricut Expression.

 

The tag is from the 'PLANTIN SCHOOLBOOK'  cartridge and the shamrock is from the 'PAPER DOLL DRESS UP'  cartridge...

 

 

 

The paper used is mostly 'Cricut', except for the patterned paper which is from a 'HOT OFF THE PRESS'  'Red Velvet Artful Card Kit'.

 

There are lots of tutorials out there about pop up slider cards, I did a Google Search (images) and then just looked around, got the general idea and then experimented with my 'GYPSY'.

 

Challenges -

 

CARDZ TV - Crafty Cardz Challenge #127 - 'Erin Go Braugh'

 

A CARD A DAY Blogging - Monday

 

 

If I don't manage to post over the next week... have a blessed Easter :-)

 

 

Blah... blah... blah...

 

 

Too Simple?

Another simple card today, for a 'BASICGREY' challenge - 'Spring is in the Air'.  So yellows and greens for those spring colours.  A very simple card here (have I got a theme going on?), but sometimes simple is best (and basically I'm feeling lazy!).  I have used 'Life of the Party' AGAIN, I think this stack is great, although I'm nearly to the end of it (boo-hoo). 

 

Its not feeling very spring-like here today, we have gale force winds and torrential rain!  But at least we haven't got the snow YET, although according to the weatherman its on it's way! (and we all know how they always get that right!).

 

Thanks for stopping by...

 

CARD BASE - white A6
1ST MAT - 'BASICGREY' 'Life of the Party' 'Popcorn Poppin' (5 5/8" x 4 1/4) - punched using 'X Cut' 'Sparkler'
CRICUT CUT - 'Spring' - used 'EASTER 2010' cartridge
EMBELLISHMENTS - flower, button, rik rac ribbon and glitter - from stash

Challenges -

BASICGREY CHALLENGES - Ch. #89 - 'Spring is in the Air'

A CARD A DAY Blogging - 'Friday'

 

Blah... blah... blah...

Butterfly and Pearls

Hi there...

Well I finally got back from the Doctor's surgery.  What a place, can you imagine voluntarily going into a germ riddled room hoping to get well? 

 

And yet that is precisely what we do when we visit the doctors!  The waiting room is a mass of virus and bacteria just waiting to attack the already weakened immune systems of the various unsuspecting sick people in attendance. 

 

I am grimacing in pain (everytime I move - my back really is painful), when a little boy approachs me, he's holding out a book (sticky from his runny nose) with a hopeful expression on his face, my face-pulling sends him screaming back to his mother complaining that "the scary lady in the corner is going to get him!"  (well at least I had peace and quiet from that quarter!). 

 

And then SHE comes in... you know the one.  That person, the one who is attending the doctors but looks as fresh as a daisy, with perfect make-up, perfect clothing, perfect everything, and you look at her and think what's she doing here anyway? she doesn't even look sick!  You hope she says something mean to someone so that you know she's not that perfect, but no, she's kind (especially to the little boy still staring at me as if I'm Hannibal Lecter) and she polite (and you hate her even more) and then you feel guilty for being so mean (excusing yourself... you are ill after all).  That is until she is called in before you, and then you go right back to thinking horrible things about her!  You can see I had a fun time in the doctors.

 

I made this putterfly and bearly card, sorry (I'm a little high on the pain killers!)...

 

 

CARD BASE - white card stock (4 1/8" x 5 7/8") - embossed with a 'SIZZIX' embossing folder

SCALLOPED CIRCLE PUNCH - black cardstock (3")

CIRCLE PUNCH - 'FIRST EDITION' 'Dreamcatcher' (2 1/2")

CRICUT CUT - 'CRICUT AMERICAN ALPHABET'

EMBELLISHMENTS - pearls,butterfly and ribbon -  from stash

 

Challenges -

 

MY CRAFT SPOT - Monday Ch. #91 - 'Embossing or Glossy Accent'

 

PIN AND TACK - Ch #7 - 'Anything Goes' SPARK YOUR CREATIVITY NOW!

 

LOVE TO CREATE CHALLENGE BLOG - Ch. #57 - 'Anything Goes'

 

CHALLENGES 4 EVERYBODY - Ch. #16 - 'Anything Goes'

 

GO FISH CHALLENGE BLOG - Ch. #37 - 'Ribbon'

 

 

Blah... blah... blah...

 

 

 

 

Dreamcatcher

Morning all...

I am in an incredible amount of pain!  My back is 'killing' me, so I'm patiently (NOT!) waiting to see my doctor.  But, you know what?  I needed a bit of a distraction so...

I made a card, surprised?

Cardz TV have some great stamps, so whenever I can I like to enter their challenges in the hope (vain though it is) of winning a set.  So this is for the 'It's So You' challenge...

 

Stunning papers from 'First Edition' - I wish my camera could pick up just how gorgeous this paper truly is!

 

 

Banners use up the off-cuts nicely - NO WASTE!

 

CRICUT 'jumbled' creative feature added something a little different to the normal sentiment.

 

Love this... its so me!

 

 

CARD BASE - black card blank (4 7/8" x 4 7/8") - from stash

1ST MAT - 'FIRST EDITION' 'Dreamcatcher' (4 5/8" x 4 5/8")

BANNERS - black mat + 'dreamcatcher' paper - hand-cut from off-cuts adhered with foam pads

CRICUT CUT - 'GRAPHICALLY SPEAKING' cartridge (p. 45 2 1/2") -  using 'jumbled' creative feature, adhered with two thickness of foam tape

INSIDE MAT - white cardstock (3 1/4" x 3 1/2") - 'Dreamcatchers' paper adhered to corner

SENTIMENT STAMP - "Friendship is a Treasure" -from stash

GEMS - purple - from stash

 

 

Challenges -

CARDZ TV - Ch. #26 - 'It's So You'

CHOCOLATE, COFFEE & CARDS CHALLENGES - Ch. #34 - 'Banners'

A CARD A DAY Blogging - 'Thursday'

Blah... blah... blah...

 

 

Grumpy Monkey...

Hi y'all

I've finished work for the day (well my first shift anyway, still got a bit of cleaning up to do in the club - at least the club will be clean, unlike my craft room!).

 

Craft room update...

 

Yep, it's still messy, I just shifted things around (piled it all on top of each other - my kind of 'pile it on' ha ha ha).  I crafted 'round the mess and came up with this...

 

 

 

CARD BASE - black cardstock (6" x 6") - from stash

IST MAT - 'BASICGREY' 'Life of the Party' 'confetti cake' (5 3/4" X 5 3/4")

2ND MAT - Kraft paper (4 1/8" x 4 1/8") -  from stash

3RD MAT -  'ECHO PARK' 'Dots & Stripes - Metropolitan' 'Leaf Small Dot' (4" x 4")

4TH MAT - black cardstock (3 3/4" x 3 3/4") - from stash

IMAGE - DR DIGI House of Stamps 'Grumpy Monkey' (3 5/8" x 3 5/8") - free online, coloured with promarkers

SENTIMENT - computer generated

EMBELLISHMENTS - black buttons - from stash

SKETCH - Friday Sketch Challenge - by Shirley

 

 

Challenges -

 

FRIDAY SKETCH CHALLENGE - Sketch #39 - 'Made By Shirley'

 

CREATED WITH LOVE - CWLC 33 - 'Button Up'

 

DARING CARDMAKERS - 'Make A Cute Angle'

 

PILE IT ON - #11 - 'Circle and/or squares'

 

CUTE CARD THURSDAY - Ch.#260 - 'Anything Goes'

 

TUESDAY ALCHEMY - Ch. #52 - 'Anything Goes'

 

ONE STOP CRAFT CHALLENGE - Ch. #220 - 'Anything Goes'

 

 

Blah... blah... blah...

 

 

 

 

Utter disgrace!

Good Morning Folks!

 

I'd like to share a couple of things with you today... if I may?  Well I'm gonna anyway!

 

The first is really an 'observation'.  I have observed myself been particularly messy!  Not only that, but I seem to have absolutely NO intention of a.) cleaning up and b.) changing my ways!  What does that say about me?  I wonder...

 

To my disgrace this was the floor of my craft room this morning...

 

 

... to my UTTER disgrace this is still the floor of my craft room!

 

What can I say?  I'm messy! 

 

I have good intentions (not the sort paving the way to hell!), but then I get a little side-tracked (if tidiness is a pre-requisite of my entrance to the pearly gates, perhaps after all, I am headed for hotter climes!).  Remember my statement for this year... "A place for everything... and everything in its place", what happened to that, I wonder?  I'm not doing too well, am I?  And to think I had the vacuum out yesterday, and what did I do?  I made a conscious effort to close the door and ignore it!

 

The second... my side-tracking project...

CARD BASE - A6 - from stash
1ST MAT - cream cardstock (3 7/8" x 5 1/2") - embossed using a 'SIZZIX' folder and edges inked with a promarker
TOPPER - chipboard 'OVAL MUM' - from stash
EMBELLISHMENTS - ribbons and brad - from stash

Challenges -

4 CRAFTY CHICKS - 4CCC - 133 - 'Clean and Simple'   (Unlike my craft room!)

cas -UAL FRIDAY - CFC94 - 'Use Chipboard'

TUESDAY ALCHEMY - Ch. #52 - 'Anything Goes'

CUTE CARD THURSDAY - Ch.#260 - 'Anything Goes'

A CARD A DAY Blogging - 'Tuesday'

Now back to that craft room...

Blah... blah... blah...

 

 

P.S.  it is several hours later and I still have not cleaned this room.  I have NO shame!  Once the mess has reached such epic proportions that it is coming out the door to meet you... the job just seems TOO daunting!

 

 

Oops... fell off the wagon!

As my challenge addiction rears its ugly head (again) and tempts me beyond what any mortal crafter can stand... I have fallen off the wagon!  I CAN'T HELP IT!  Any addict will tell you...

 

But I mustn't beat myself up about it, no... I must just move on from this little slip... and here it is -

 

 

The card consists of a white card base, with a Kraft paper mat, onto this is adhered a piece of 'FOREVER FRIENDS' 'Kraft Notes' paper which has been punched using 'X CUT' 'Sparkler'.  

 

The 'Onsie' is cut using my Cricut Expression from the 'WRAP IT UP' cartridge, the 'Rattle' is cut from the 'WILD CARD' cartridge and the frames are from the 'ELEGANT EDGES' catridge.  The frames have added glitter, the rattle has added pearls and the onsie has been embossed and has an added heart embellishment.  The yellow butterflies are epoxy stickers from my stash, as are the yellow buttons.

The sentiment stamps I discovered in my stash (very, very old!).

Challenges...

ALLSORTS CHALLENGE BLOG - Week 198 - 'As Easy As 1, 2, 3' (1 image = onsie; 2 patterned papers = brown kraft base and kraft buttons; 3 embellishments = pearls, buttons, butterflies)

MY CRAFT SPOT - Ch. #90 - 'Sweet Baby'

AMUSING CHALLENGES - 'Kraft'

COME AND GET IT CHALLENGES - 'It's Baby Week'

LOVE TO CREATE CHALLENGE BLOG - Ch. #57 - 'Anything Goes'

A CARD A DAY Blogging - 'Monday'


MY NAME IS KAREN

... AND I'M A CHALLENGE-AHOLIC



Blah... blah... blah...

 

Dragon Update

I heard on 1st March 2013 that I had won a challenge with 'STAMPIN WITH THE DRAGON' not only did I win a digi stamp vochure... but, I also got to help design and name a stamp!!!

After a couple if weeks Janette and I came up with this...

I say 'Janette and I', but as you can imagine I did very little, Janette however, in spite of been ill, created these lovely little 'Welshies' for me!  What cuties thank you SO much Janette.  And just in time to celebrate Wales' victory at the Six Nations Rugby Championship 2013.

entered into 'FUSSY AND FANCY FRIDAY CHALLENGE' - Ch #84 - 'Flowers' and

'CELEBRATE THE OCCASION' - Ch. #103 - 'Spring is in the Air' AND

'MOVING ALONG WITH THE TIMES' - ch. 'Spring is in the Air'

entered into 'PAPER PLAYTIME' - Ch. #5 - 'Anything Goes' and

'PIN AND TACK' -Ch. #7 - 'Anything Goes'

SPARK YOUR CREATIVITY NOW!

We haven't named them yet... but watch this space!

Blah... blah... blah...

Me to You...

Hello Everyone...

The snow is coming down thick and fast here... winter seems to be coming in not going out!  I'm determined to think of spring though.  I've been away for a couple of days, visiting my brother ( niece and nephew) in England (I'm glad I made it back early this morning and so didn't have to drive in the snow - which really is coming down faster and faster).  It's been a lovely little break, my brother always makes me feel very, very good (he's so positive) and the children are a delight.

 

Like most of the people my age, you don't get here without quite a few bad times to go along with the good times... its how you handle them and how you allow them to effect you, that is the biggest indicator of your personality.  I truly believe if 'something doesn't kill you... it only makes you stronger'.  I am in-line with the Incredible Hulk where strength is concerned!  But as with most things in life... it is all relative.  What would require incredible strength to one person, may be nothing at all to another, so I thrive not to judge! (always easier said than done!).

 

Anyway, since I've only been back a couple of hours and have had to make cawl for THE match (rugby) later today, a grudge match, at that (England vs Wales), to decide who will win the Six Nations Championship, I haven't yet had chance to craft (boo-hoo).  I am going to post a couple of buys that have arrived whilst I've been away...

 

The first is a paper pack from 'ME TO YOU' its called 'Spring Chic' by 'DOCRAFTS'.  Its a 6 x 6 pack of double-sided soft pastel coloured papers.  There are 50 sheets (yes, 50) in the pack, 5 x 10 designs and everyone one of them is lovely!  Admittedly there are better QUALITY pack out there, but I think these papers are especially nice for spring and Easter.

 

 

 

My next pack is from 'FOREVER FRIENDS' called 'Kraft Notes' by 'DOCRAFTS'.  Again this is a 6 x 6 pack of double-sided papers (with 'kraft' influence), these are an absolute delight.  The quality is second to none, and even give my favourite Echo Park papers a run for their money!  I'm not a big fan of 'teddy bears', but the papers in this pack are exceptional.  There are 48 sheets, 3 each of 16 designs, and not a one would you not use!

 

 

 

 

My final purchase (well the one I'm showing you now, for it was NOT my final one!) is another 'ME TO YOU' called 'With Love' by 'DOCRAFTS' , it is 'love' themed and so was on offer (Valentine's being a distant memory!).  Again it is double-sided (I can't help my obsession), but where 'Spring chic' is pastel, this is bright and bold and of a much better quality...

... it is also A4 sized



It has 30 sheets of beautiful papers in reds and pinks, 3 of each of the 10 designs... LOVELY!

 

 

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY...

 

 

Blah... blah... blah...

 

Shhh....

I have a secret...

...I'm having a love affair!

 

I know it is SO shocking at my age, don't tell my kids, they'd be horrified (although I think they suspect something!).  But that is not the MOST shocking thing, it seems that love interests are indeed like buses... nothing comes along and then two come at once!  Yes, you heard right... TWO. 

 

I'm not actually having 'intimate' relates with these two, although perhaps that is not accurate, I should say I'm not having 'carnal' relates, because my moments with both Jeremy and Benjamin are, in fact VERY intimate.

 

Upon reflection (I'm looking in the mirror... get it? ha ha ha), what looks back at me is NOT who I am.  Ever felt that?  That person staring forlornly back at you is not YOU, I'm not THAT fat; I'm not THAT old and gravity hasn't got the better of me THAT much.  It is not, I, who has lost that many teeth or who's post-teenage hair has gotten so thin you can nearly see my scalp - in fact, after a shower THAT person's hair looks decidedly 'comb-over'ed. NO, NO, NO that is not ME.  I am the glamorous goddess that is sharing the love of not one but two!!!  But I digress... back to the loves of my life...

 

Perhaps it is that I have been divorced too long or that nature is insisting that no - one person should be alone, whatever the reason these TWO (can you believe it? TWO) sweet being have entered into my world and created such contentment that I truly believe I could not live without them!  We should lock ourselves in and forget our problems and simply enjoy our beautiful times together.  My contentment would probably mean... that person in the mirror would get even fatter but I truly believe...  I couldn't live my life without my Ben & Jerry!

 

Back to the crafting... just so you know its not ALL about my lovely Cricut Expression machine (or my love affair with tubs of ice-cream), I have made a little stepper card today from a 'KANBAN' kit - 'So Feminine/So Macho'.  I get it out every now and then - the kit that is, not the tubs of ice-cream (they only last one sitting) I don't think I'll ever use up all the toppers and cardstock in this kit (just as well as I hear a rumour that they have gone out of business, I will miss Kanban alot)... it is so big (wish the ice-cream tubs were!) and created a little something for 'USE YOUR STUFF' Ch. #75 'Our Four-Legged Friends'... and since I'm using this lovely 'folded' style card I will also enter it into 'CREATED WITH LOVE CHALLENGES' - CWLC #32 'Different Fold'...

 

 

I'm not much of a 'dog' person myself, I prefer cats, but how could you NOT love this topper? He's just too adorable.  I used a topper sheet called 'crafting cuties', I only used two picture toppers, one sentiment topper and a border strip, this kit is such good value, I could easily get another two cards from this one topper sheet alone!

 

 

 I used a patterned paper (from stash) to cover the back and stamped a sentiment.  I used a stamp set from 'SCRAPPY MOMS' called 'Raining Cats & Dogs'.  So far these are, by far, the best QUALITY stamps I have ever used.

 

Hope you have a GRRRRR...eat day!

R.I.P. Kanban :-( 

 

Blah... blah... blah...

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrations V

'MY Cricut Cartridge Alphabet'... Number Five

 'CELEBRATION ' cartridge... release April 2006 now discontinued, designed by rob and bob studio. 

   

The Creative Features are:- 'tag', 'banner', 'card', 'border', 'blackout' and 'shadow'. This is one of the earlier cartridges, which usually means the images to cut are simpler (not quite so detailed), I personally like this, sometimes the amount of layers you have to cut makes it too complicated for me.  This cartridge may be called 'Celebrations' but it really is all about birthdays and parties, balloon, party hats, candles, cakes and numbers are the main focus.  Naturally the card and tag features are very, very useful, but for me this cartridge's best feature is the banner.  I have made several banners in recent years and they have always made a great impact, from very small ones for my nieces (on a very small scale) to extra large display banner for our business, I think this is a great feature and only available on a couple of cartridges.

 

My View... I think this is a lovely cartridge, especially for beginners, the cuts are simple and the creative features useful and adaptable.  The presents and parcels are always handy but there are really only so many balloons or party hats you will ever wish to cut!  Most things 'birthday' are covered with this cartridge and if you want to make a very quick card, simply use the card feature with the appropriate birthday age - it couldn't be easier or more effective.  This is what I've done here...

 

My Verdict... I don't think this is a 'must-have' cartridge, but the banner feature does make the cartridge very appealing.  I have used this cartridge many, many times and have never been disappointed but I do feel there are better ones out there, with perhaps more versatility.

 

 

Here's what I decided to enter into 'MY CRAFT SPOT' Monday Challenge #89 - 'Tasty Treats'...

           

I used the 'card' creative feature button and cut the '<candy>' (p. 111) to cut out the card base, I cut it from an A4 sheet of black cardstock with the 'fit to page' button on my Cricut Expression.  The 'innies' from the card cut, I stuck to the inside of the card (in the same position as the cuts) and outlined them with a white pen.

 

I cut the sweets using '<candy>' at 4 1/4" from some holographic cardstock (stash pile) I cut it three times and used my 'Gypsy' to delete any cuts I didn't want then I adhered them to the from of the card. I didn't have ANYTHING in my stash for a sentiment (oh dear I can feel a shopping trip coming on!), but I did find a rub-on saying "sweetie'.  A couple of pearls and some glitter and my 'Tasty Treat' card is ready for consumption. 

 

Thanks for stopping by...

 

 

Blah... blah... blah...

 

 

Happy Mother's Day UK

Happy Mother's Day for all those wonderful UK mothers out there (to the brilliant mothers the world over, actually), why Mother's day is celebrated at different times of the year in different countries, is a mystery to me (I probably COULD go and do some Internet trawling to find out, but I can't be bothered today!).

 

My children (+ one boyfriend) have been very good to me today (I am easily pleased, mind you), endless cups of tea and a card and I'm happy.  My daughter, (the unofficial 'doer' of my little trio of cherubs) explained first thing this morning, that she hadn't had time to sort out my present because she was so busy finishing off her dissertation for her final year at uni. (a very valid excuse, I'm sure you would agree, although I do believe she has had a whole year in which to 'sort it'!) and the other two?  Are male and therefore... useless!

 

THANKS DAUGHTER... So I have a card (albeit a nice card... but only a card! Greedy aren't I), my delightful daughter then went on to explain that they are getting me a subscription to a crafting magazine (ohhh, I'm liking them more and more) - when she gets 'round to it!  I just hope it will be sooner than when she gets 'round to doing the washing up!  She then said "we are having a take-away tonight, you get to choose what we have... I want indian."  So naturally we will be having indian!

 

THANKS SON... My son's approach to the Mother's Day issue was with a more hands-on attitude.  We've had a busy weekend, my Dads away (bi-annual rugby trip to Scotland) which means I've had more of the bar to do.  My son offered to take on a couple of shifts for me, ever practical! 

 

THANKS BOYFRIEND (my daughters, that is)... What can I say?  He rolls in with a tub of Ben & Jerry's (Vermonster), love that boy!

 

My mum loved the card I made her and the scratch cards I put inside it!  In fact I think she liked them better than the flowers I got her, but I suppose that will depend on if she wins or not!  So I'm having a pretty good day, so far... I hope yours is going brilliantly too!

 

So its not very motherly, but I thought I would enter this in the 'FANTABULOUS CRICUT CHALLENGE BLOG': Challenge Me Monday #151 'Bye, Bye Birdie'...

 

 

I used an A6 card blank and punched one edge using 'X Cut border punch sparkler', then cut a patterned paper mat from a 'Helz Cuppleditch' 'Bazoo' stack (lovely little blue hearts).  The border sticker strip was one from my stash (it was so old I had to re-apply some glue to it!).  I've added some pearls to the punched border and the sentiment was stamped using a stamp set from 'POLKA DOODLES'.  The owl topper was cut using my Cricut Expression and the 'WILD CARD 2' cartridge.  It was actually in my stash from when I first got the wild card 2 cartridge and was experimenting with it... I'd somehow, managed to stick the layers the wrong way round!  So I cut the card up and used the front as a topper.  I'm just glad this cute little bird has finally found a home.

 

The inside has been decorated using up the scraps!

 

I am patiently awaiting (well, not patiently exactly... LOL) my take-away, have a great evening :-)

 

 

Blah... blah... blah...

 

 

Four-leafed Clover or Tradition?

I'm a little confused ( dot com), not only does it seem that the Americans celebrate St. Patrick's Day more than anyone else (possibly even the Irish), but there is also some confusion about the 'Shamrock'.  The Shamrock, is the traditional emblem of Ireland, after much debate it is thought most likely to be a representation of the White Clover, in fact the word 'shamrock' is from the Gaelic word 'seamrog', meaning "little clover".   A clover is the commonly used name for any number of plants belonging to the genus Trifolium, which means 'having three leaves'.  The shamrock has only three leaves.

 

Whilst in Ireland (St. Patrick was not Irish by the way), St. Patrick's goal was to convert the Irish into Christians, he used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, with each leaf representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  The traditional emblem (Shamrock) is not a four-leafed clover, which is a mutation (and therefore hard to find, so people think you are lucky if you have found one).

 

So where does the Irish luck come from?  That is the fourth leaf people tend to add to the Shamrock, the fourth leaf represents 'luck'.  The traditional Irish symbol of the Shamrock does not include this 'lucky' fourth leaf.  So whilst deciding to enter 'CELEBRATE THE OCCASION', ch #102 - 'Luck of the Irish', and the 'BITTEN BY THE BUG 2' 'So Lucky Shamrock Challenge'... do I go 'Traditional' (three leaves)?  Or do I go 'Lucky' (four leaves)?  Decisions, decisions, decisions....

 

Tradition and botany won!

 

I've been very good, again, by using up different papers in my scrap pile mountain, the shamrock is cut using my Cricut Expression and the 'PAPER DOLL DRESS UP' cartridge (p.40) (accessories 3 + shift - feature buttons) <lptchn> at 2 3/4" (x1) and 3" (x2).  The brown patterned paper has been punched using 'X Cut border punch sparkler', then faux stitched.  The 'good luck' stamp I fished out from the bottom of a box, which was under a mound of cardstock!

 

Have a good day y'all...

 

 

Blah... blah... blah...

 

 

 

Winding Down

Just a quick post, after work.  I decided to make a quick card to wind down after doing the bar (a card and a cup of tea, what more could I ask?).  I've left my wonderful son to finish seeing the last of the pool team out.  Pool was played tonight, last game of the season, we only needed 3 wins (out of a possible 11) to win, not just this game but also to finish the season top of the league.  Did we do it? I say 'we' but it is not I, who played the winning shot, or any shot for that matter (they don't let me play, I think they fear for the blaize on the pool table!), I merely serve the beer and cook the chips.  Yes, they did indeed win... which means there will be even more dust collectors trophies to polish, well done boys!

 

Back to my card...

quick card  ~  quick post  ~  quick description

 

I took an A6 card blank (embossed it and rubbed an ink pad over it) then adhered two 3" x 3" squares to it, one in the top corner one in the bottom, the papers used were 'oldies but goodies' 'MY MIND'S EYE' 'Wild Asparagus' .  The images is from 'WHOOPSI DAISY' 'Sheet 389', its been mounted onto two different blue mats, pop over to the website and have a look at the lovely digi stamps (and lots of other stuff).  The sentiment is from a stamp set from 'POLKA DOODLES', all edges and the stamps have been inked using 'TIM HOLTZ' 'Victorian Velvet'. 

 

I will be entering this into the current March challenge at  'WHOOPSI DAISY'  - 2 patterned papers.

 

I'll be off to bed soon, after my cuppa, nightie night...

 

 

Blah... blah... blah...

 

 

 

The Road To Recovery...

... one challenge at a time!

I made this for a challenge, yes a, as in ONE.  This post is dedicated to - StuckOnUSketches - die cut challenge (Feb 22), and the theme is... 'WRITE'.

 

 

 

 

Nice and simple... I like simple!

 

CARD BASE - A6 card blank - from stash

1ST MAT - 'ECHO PARK' 'Country drive' - 'Flutterby' (4" x 5 3/4") - edges inked with 'TIM HOLTZ' (Victorian Velvet), I then added two lengths of pink ribbon and a bow

NOTE PAPER - From an old notebook (3" x 3 1/4") - I added extra coloured lines to give it some more colour, rounded one bottom corner and added a pink button from my stash

DIE CUT IMAGE - 'CRICUT' 'My Community' cartridge p. 13 - I used the blackout feature, and the layers.  I cut the layers 5 times and used my 'GYPSY' to delete any cuts I didn't want (thereby saving on cardstock)

STAMP - 'PEACHY KEEN' 'PK - Everyday Character Face Assortment'  (3/4")

SENTIMENT - Computer generated

 

I hope you like my little project, thanks for stopping by...

 

 

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No Cold Turkey For Me!

 

I am becoming positively obsessed with craft challenges, it seems to me that once you start it is VERY hard to stop!  Why would you wish to stop? Because they start to take over your life!  Its not that I'm dreaming of them or anything (although I might be about to), or that I haven't showered in a fortnight with my obsession taking over ALL aspects of my life (now that I think about it, as soon as I've posted this, I'm going for a long soak in the tub!). 

 

But you know its beginning to get out of hand, when you are putting post-it notes (virtual ones) on your desktop to remind you when a challenge starts, when it finishes, what the requirements are and/or what 'linky' number you are.  AND your desktop now looks like its been wallpapered with lots of little square, you know its time to give it up!  Do I sound obsessed... yes I think I do.

 

But worse... it has now got to the point where, not only am I 'piling it on' (that's more than one challenge for only one card/project) but I am tailoring my cards to fit half a dozen challenges!  The other day I made a card that a.) followed a sketch; b.) followed a colour combo; c.) Incorporated a digi stamp; d.) incorporated punches x 2; e.) matched a 'bingo' or 'tic tac toe' and f.) was masculine! What is going on... obsessed much? 

 

I think the challenges are beginning to 'suck' the joy out of crafting.  Although it is nice to follow, say? A sketch or a colour combo, (the operative word here is OR), I'm beginning to confuse myself (what goes with what, when, how, why, why, why!).  So this self-confessed challenge-aholic is going to cut-back on the challenges (or at least the combining of said same), and concentrate on simply 'making', for making's sake...

 

MY NAME IS KAREN... AND I AM A CHALLENGE -AHOLIC

 

I draw the line at 'cold turkey', I'm not that good!  And I DO so like to hear comments from other experts and crafters, and let's be honest here... you (or is it only me?) get 'loads' of comments when you've entered a challenge.  That, in itself, has reduced me to a challenge freak of epic proportions!  And if you should win? WOW don't get me started on that one... Oh, the joy of having your name randomly picked as the best (huh?, how can it be the best if its random? It doesn't matter does it, oh no, 'cause you're the best!).  Or being chosen as a 'top pick' and getting a blinky... is it any wonder that I'm becoming obsessed, when they (the challenge sites) prey so disgracefully upon my poor weak soul! 

 

"If Music Be the Food of Love, Play On"

From Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, 1602

 

My current list of challenges (remember all those post-it notes), requires... a 'manly' card; which follows a sketch; that has a tag and features a cut from my 'CRICUT', so...

(great sketch)

 

 

 

(... those are not little aliens you can see, but headphones! You most certainly could be forgiven for thinking otherwise!)

 

 

The card base is a piece of dk. brown cardstock, scored and folded in half.  To this I have added a patterned paper mat,  where the paper came from, is anybody's guess!  I followed a sketch and cut pieces of 'KANBAN' cardstock ('Retro Sounds' and 'Retro Music' from the 'So Feminine/So Macho kit) and mounted these onto more dk. brown cardstock.  Everything has had its edges inked with 'TIM HOTZ' distressed ink ('Tea Dye') and layered with foam pads. 

 

The tag was very simply cut 'free-hand' and been layered with both the patterned paper and more 'Retro Sounds' cardstock.  With a piece of ribbon and a 'Dad' peel-off for added effect. Oh and some faux stitching around the sentiment (just so you know its there!).

 

The 'CRICUT' cut was achieved with the 'CRICUT AMERICAN ALPHABET' cartridge.  All four cuts were used - 'shadow', 'shadow+shift', '<radio>' (p.45) and '<radio-s>' all cut at 2 1/4".  I love the simplicity of the cuts on this cartridge.

 

Its a shame my camera (or rather my phone) cannot pick up the beauty of this 'KANBAN' cardstock, it is foiled, and really is quite lovely.

 

No Cold Turkey For Me, challenges...

 

DIE CUTTIN DIVA - Ch. #105 - 'Try A Sketch'

 

CRAFTS AND ME CHALLENGES - Ch. #123 - 'Tag It'

 

CARDS GALORE CHALLENGE BLOG - March Ch. - 'Music'

 

CRAFTY CARDMAKERS - Ch. #86 - 'Masculine Birthday featuring Technology or a gadget'

 

A CARD A DAY Blogging - 'Wednesday'

 

... and repeat -   MY NAME IS KAREN

... AND I'M A CHALLENGE-AHOLIC

 



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Better Over the Hill...

... than under it !

 

When I can, I like to give as much info. about the cards I have made, as possible, but sometimes that's just not gonna happen.  When the stuff I'm using is rather old (sometimes, dare I say... ancient), I can't always remember where it came from (memory's going!  Along with my hearing and my teeth!).  Very often I've found a bargain somewhere (usually a 'pound' shop) and the product has no known producer/manufacturer (possible some poor child in a sweat shop in Bangladesh!).  I know its not right (to support these cheap imports) but I really, really am not made of money and I really, really, have no intention of not crafting!  So I, for one, continue to pick up cheapies whenever I can (although my conscience does sometimes prick!).  But having said that, when you get to work with quality products, I have to say the difference is not only noticeable but also highly addictive.

 

Anyway...

 

I've entered a couple of challenges (unusually... I know!) and just to mix things up a bit (I'm a rebel at heart), I'm telling you about them before I show you my card (daring, huh?), so...

 

PILE IT ON - #9 - 'Happy Birthday'

 

CATCH THE BUG CHALLENGE BLOG - 'Anything Goes Saturday Challenge'

 

CARDS FOR MEN - Ch. #5 - 'Monochrome'

 

ANYTHING GOES CHALLENGE BLOG - Ch. #87 - 'Make it Manly'

 

PAPER CRAFTING JOURNEY - 'Bingo' - Brads/Embossing/Sentiment

 

PAPER PLAYTIME - Ch. #5 - 'Anything Goes'

 

... and here it is

 

 

Most of the materials used for this card are from my stash,  but I can tell you about the digi stamp... it is, of course, 'Gus' from 'BUGABOO STAMPS', he's great, isn't he? 

 

'Gus' has been coloured in using 'Promarkers' and mounted onto a piece of 'KANBAN' cardstock 'Distressed Stripe', which has also been used for the first mat.  The patterned papers were bought from E-Bay (along time ago), as were the brads.

 

I printed the sentiment out and then embossed it and highlighted it with a promarker pen.  This is my first attempt at a 'Bugaboo' stamp... and I'm really quite pleased with it!

 

 

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