Whiff of Joy City Girls meets Special Friend Card and Copics

Hello everyone

sorry I have not posted for a few days, however I have not been all that well and even though the idea of spending three days in the Beach Hut sounded so relaxing, unfortunately I spent it laid on the couch not even wanting to move my head. So if you are hoping that my post today will be filled with humor to make you all smile, I am sorry you may have to wait a few more days for that.

I would like to welcome a couple of new followers Sonia and Kate T, to my little area of blog land.  Hello ladies :))

After visiting the doctors yesterday, actually got up today and managed not to wobble or feel sick, so headed to sit in the Beach Hut, with a lovely cup of coffee, looking out the window to some glorious sunshine (doesn't the sun make us all feel so much better)

I could not resist the temptation of using one of my new City Girl, Whiff of Joy Stamps, so created this lovely card for a Special Friend, who is always there for me and who is such a giving person.  I have entered this card into the following challenges

Whiff of Joy Challenge 67 - Pearls and Swirls

and a new challenge site for me, which Lorraine had mentioned on her blog (thanks hun) this site I feel is really me, as I seem to be unable to resist putting lots of embellishments on my cards.

Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge Four - Dazzle Us 

Any way here is the card, using Nancy Watts papers called swirls and birds (I think) and some funky bright pink card stock, the sentiment is the one I got from Spire Crafts in Louth.

This is a close up of her dress, which is cut from the base paper and then copic coloured over the top to add the depth.

Well must go and catch up with some hoovering as spilt a little tub of glitter whilst working on this card "I feel like Tinker Bell" leaving a trail of fairy dust where every I go. 

Hope your all having a lovely day and that the craft bug is with you.

Hugs and Fairy Dust

Kate xx

Caardvarks - Get Published

Good Evening everyone

I have, for several days now, been planning one fantastic card, you know the mother of all cards (well of mine anyway - lol).  

I had forgotten time and well it did not happen as I did not want to rush the idea that I had in my head, several versions of something totally different have been put aside.  So had to think of an alternative. 

Here is the alternative that I am entering into the 

Caardvarks Challenge

who challenged us all to create our very best;

wedding card
 

and

The winning entry will be published in CARDS Magazine's July 2010 issue.

Oh this was so exciting - just had to have a go.  It would be a dream come true to be published.

So here with not to much of a do is the final creation.

 

Not sure what the papers are called but got them at the Hobby House, along with the pearls and the Martha Stewart Heart Edge Punch and the large Heart Punch.  The little white roses are from my local craft shop Running with Scissors.

Hopefully I will be able to use the other idea for something just as good.

Well must go clean up now as the Beach Hut is a little messy.

Take care all of you and thank you so very much for all your recent comments, I really do love reading them and coming to visit you all

Hugs Kate xx

Friday sketchers meets Magnolia Down Under and Winter Wonderland Xmas Card

Am back, 

managed to put the roast in so have two and a half hours to do something...................also put the vegetables in the steamer and the winter roasted vegetables ready for their blast in the oven. mmmmmmmmmmmm cannot wait.

This is the last Xmas card for today as may go off and do some altered art now, until "Dancing on Ice" comes on later.

I am entering this overly bright little number into three challenges

Friday Sketchers Challenge 89 - an intriguing little sketch but I enjoyed working with it

Winter Wonderland 

An unusual colour combo of Satsuma, Gold and Chocolate, which after a little thought I felt came together quite well.

Magnolia Down Under Challenge 33           A recipe of Buttons, Flowers and Bows

Thank you Polly for giving me this well loved stamp, it will receive further abuse from me..... :))

Anyway enough of my warbling, here is the card, the papers are from MME and the snowflake punch is a Martha Stewart one from the Hobby House, along with the buttons.  The little roses are from Spire Crafts (my little spend from yesterday) and the ribbon I believe was from the Range.

   Well hope you all enjoy the rest of your day and thank you for your recent kind comments.

Hugs Kate xx

Henry Mouse Xmas Card - Challenge Combo

Hiya back again

Oh I am sooooooooooooooooo, relaxing and enjoying myself today..................................

This is the card I was in the middle of, I am entering this into the following challenges

Sketch Saturday Week 90 - another fab sketch

Stamp Something Cute - I enjoy the "something challenges"

ABC Christmas Challenge - "D" is for Decorations (one of the challenge sites helping to keep me on track for Xmas)

Here it is I am not sure what the papers are but they had decorations on them, so had to use them, then the only stamp I have with a decoration on it was this lovely Henry Mouse Whiff of Joy and isn't he just the "cutest" thing.

It was another easel card, wasn't sure on the colour combo but it was a definite change for me.  This is another of my MSE stamps, almost forgotten again, thank heavens for the cataloging is all I can say.  The flower is the last of my blue set from the Hobby House, but currently there is no more in stock, so may have to go surfing..................

Also really should try to get around to preparing the Sunday roast, that three bird roast will not cook if I do not get a move on.  

Will quickly go finish the last card which I believe Sam, makes me back on track with the Xmas cards.

back soon

Hugs Kate xx

Whiff of Joy Xmas Card

Good Morning

Just in case you missed it................. the sun was out and the day really started bright and welcoming.  If you are just getting up, it is now raining again :(

This is one of the promised Xmas cards that I finished late last night and definitely too late for me to take photo's of and post.  The reason for the delay was we had an unexpected guest, whom it is always nice to see.  

So without further delay and much less of my waffling here is the card that I am entering into

The Whiff Of Joy Challenge 66 - A sketch by the talented Jane

It is an easel card, using Craft Creations Christmas papers from the Hobby House (these come in a lovely selection of colours - I had to buy one of each and then went back for more), the crushed glass is also from the Hobby House along with the liquid applique used on her fluffly ruffles and makes a wonderful xmassy feel on the cuttlebug nestie punched snowflakes.  Sentiment - yes you guessed it, I found whilst cataloging my MSE stamps. 

Did I mention that I finally managed to put aside any duplicates from my MSE purchases........must do something with these though.  I do so hate waste.

This is a close up of the lovely whiff of joy image coloured in those amazing copics.

So I am in the middle of another challenge (Xmas Card) to clear the catch up, housework is complete and they are all still in bed...............off back to play...................

cya soon and have a great Valentine Sunday

Hugs and Hearts Kate xx

Oh I Just Love to Play in The Sugar Bowl

Good afternoon everyone

Last night I finally finished cataloging my MSE stamps, wow I had forgotten how many I had....and even worse, I have some lovely ones which I should be using........................... so I have used some today.

This weekend I was suppose to (and might yet) catch up on my Xmas cards..... in fact I am in the middle of a creation at the moment, if it turns out alright.

But today I just wanted to play in the Sugar Bowl, so I decided as our family and friends are heavy into "Fishing" that I would get one of the Fish themed cards out the way.  I located my "To Catch a Big Fish" Sugar Nellie stamp, and then with such ease (lol) twiddled my fingers through the wage slip tops viewing the sentiments as I went until I found two that I felt went so well with the image chosen.  I found some lovely DCWV papers in the Garden Party Matt Stack with Glitter - from Tilly's I think, I also used another lovely paper by Basic Grey, found in the two scoops paper pad.  This along with the flowers and gems came from the Hobby House.  I visited the Hobby House again today, this time to some confusion, Gill is expanding and having a rearrange - it reminded me of when Tesco move items from their usual isle's, could not find anything in its normal location.  (Might once organised and finished have to shop there more often to get a feel for the place again - fab idea what!!)

Anyway as planned Matt took me to Spire Crafts in our local Market Town - Louth -.  Oh!! this shop is like a treasure chest and the more you look the more you find.  She has a huge display of books on all manner of things and a range of papers to spill over ones basket.  The selection of pearls, gems, buttons is amazing.  She also stocks a wide variety of artist materials, and so many different card making and scrap-booking technique bits, you just want to fill your boots.  You can imagine we were in their sometime.  I got a small bag of stash at a very good price.

Anyway this card is entered into the 

Sugar Bowl Challenge 29 - Which is another of those lovely extremly challenging sketch's by the very talented Tiets

I rotated the sketch to fit on this card, I hope you like my interpretation, I do but I am a little biased :)

and the inside (love this sentiment)

Well may be back later with a Xmas card, we will have to see.......

Take care and thank you for looking and your recent kind comments

Hugs Kate xx

Easter Basket and Matching Card

Good evening everyone

Today we woke up to thick ice, drove to work in snow, watched heavy fluffy "big" white snow falling, watched it get rained away and then dried up when the sun came out - all in one day.

The National Grid men have started to fill holes in, down the street, the previously lush green corner is now what I would class as a chocolate looking slop.  The once nicely even pavement is now patched with horrid black chunky tarmac, and whatever they used to clear the paths and the road has taken the top layer of both up, it all looks so scruffy.....

The neighbour loved his card - he said it was his only hand made one :)

Matt read my last post, and that evening went to the shop, he made a comment about did I need any chocolate and I said no.............. (I was concentrating on my basket) I knew he would get me some................as he drove off I thought have I got time to run downstairs open up my blog and enter a new post...................probably not!! and then I thought he might not:((..................but he did:))....................whoop whoop chocolate evening watching Dancing on Ice, it was great.

So Polly the little sugar coated eggs were and are still safe.  They are so safe, as they are inside their little basket which I have made for one of my Easter gifts this year.  I made a card to match and the inspiration to do all of this came from a group of challenge sites.  

Just Magnolia - those baskets and the tutorial I think pulled us all in - what a great idea, I think I thought I would struggle but eventually got there and really enjoyed decorating it (my favorite bit, so probably went over the top) - there have been some absolutely gorgeous creations in a variety of colour combo's.  Go take a peek.

The Cupcake Craft Challenge 77 - Red & White all over - Everything at the moment seems to lean towards valentine, as I only have one love, I only actually needed to make one card, however have so far done three (what choice, now which one shall I write for hubby?) So, I had already chosen the magnolia image and think she just looks like she has to be red and white, so the basket and the card followed the same theme.

Saturday Sketchers Week 89 - This weeks sketch is by the very talented Ria, and what a beauty it is.  You really want to have a go at this soft looking sketch. I rotated mine and mimicked the basket.

Here is the sketch followed 

 

Several images of the basket, embellishments and card to follow....

I used:- 

White card stock from stash, K & Co base papers, red card from stash, stamped little butterflies using tattered rose (Tim Holtz) are from a set of inkadinkdoo.  Large flower from Hobby Craft, smaller ones from local department store.  Used stickles, gems and little and large charms from Hobby House.

 

  

  

  

 

I hope you can see all the detail, the lack of light did not help here.

Anyway an update on my cataloging of my MSE stamps, I might run out of Whiff of Joy foam tonight and one box is already full, would hate to have to order more as would need to make the order worth my while..... :))

Well I have eaten the lovely curry that my son made me, and the bath is shouting "hurry up" so hope your all well oh and Sam, I know, I am two Xmas cards behind but I am going to catch up promise......

Thank you all for visiting and leaving some lovely comments recently, they always make my day

Hugs Kate xx

Masculine Male Monochrome Birthday Card

Good afternoon all

I would like to welcome Lisa to my little corner of blog-land, I hope she smiles along with everyone else each time she reads a post, that is if my life can manage to find me something humorous to write each time I post......

For those of you who have been following my National Grid Men and their related works along with the problems they are causing every one down our little Crescent.  I thought you might like to know, that today whilst trying to get into the car to go shopping for a birthday present for the neighbour, I noticed that not only can the men not keep the mud in it's normal location but also that they have managed to smear it all up the perimeter fence in several places.  Mike my son mentioned that on Friday they had actually hosed down the street, well actually I think they just swished it about and lifted some more of the tarmac.  So here for you all,  is the lovely view from the Beach Hut window currently.  (I also have one of those delightful yellow things outside my kitchen door, it also has its own supply of mud)

 

 

 

  

Delightful isn't it

Well smiling away to myself as I read everyone's blog posts and one made me think that maybe I ought to post the fact that I have intentionally bought some little sugar coated mini eggs (like the ones in the house mouse stamp) no not to throw at Matt to see if I can hit his mouth first time.  But to plan to create an Easter basket and place them in it.  Problem is no started the basket yet and Dancing on Ice is on tonight, I believe that the chocolate location in the fridge is currently bare!!!!!!! (must try to restrain myself)  Hands off - there mine, hehehehehe................

So as the neighbour has a birthday I needed to create him a card.  Our neighbour never stops decorating his house, he is always on something so I felt that this cute stamp really went well for him.  So I created a masculine card and I really do like the monochrome effect at the minute.  After creating it and just before starting to colour, Matt actually said it would look better not coloured.  I tend to agree with him.

This was not planned to meet a challenge and for once I am not going to see what it could meet.

So here it is with a photo of the inside, which I always create but do not always photograph.  The inside is a reversal of the outside just using up the left overs, as I hate waste.

 

 

The background paper is actually silver circular holographic card, it has picked up the turquoise of the Beach Hut, in places.

Well going to run the bath, style the hair (ish), tea will then be ready so will eat and see what time is left before Dancing on Ice.  If time allows may go and a few more of my MSE stamps into their new home. (I bought lots of wage envelopes and DIY CD box to sort them out into - still loads to do)

Well enjoy the remainder of your Sunday and for those of you who watch it, enjoy Dancing on Ice..... I was asked recently if I had a favourite and yes I think "Mikey" but I am not sure if he will win.

Take care all and happy crafting and posting

Hugs Kate xx

Multiple Challenges and Copics Valentine Card

Good afternoon everyone

Although it is not raining it is still quite miserable outside.  I awoke to the noise of a vehicle door closing and it sounded like the post van's.  So I sprinted out of bed nearly killing myself falling over my slippers............. 

why? you ask would I be so excited.  

Well last Friday my winning's from Simon Says Stamp was posted, coming from the states, I figured that it would take about a week.......................  If you think tripping over  the slippers was not worth it, then the other reason, was I waited with baited breath after watching all the "sneak peaks" from the Whiff of Joy DT on the City Girls Stamps.  I just knew I had to have them.............. so on the 3rd of Feb (release date 4th) I was determined to sit up all night if I had too, to be one of the first to order the stamps as the next day I would not be able to and I had a feeling they would sell out quick (I believe they did). Katharina, placed them available to order on the website before midnight and yes, I was there placing my order, thrilled to have managed to get them.  Even more thrilled to find out that they were being shipped on the 4th, so I think it was worth the rush.  I would not want to miss the parcels, but it was not the postie, but the National Grid Man.................. oh the pain in my life!!!!  He picked up all his workman signs and contact this number if we are gasing you sign and left.  

Oh well I was up, so quick coffee, tidy up, smidgen of house work and up to the Beach Hut for some quality craft time, whilst Matt and Mike were still in bed.  

I was busy tidying up and sorting out, cleaning and defragging the laptop when in the top right of my left eye I saw something moving.  It was V one of my best friends fella, he could see me in the Beach Hut and was moving quickly up and down the street in front of the window to catch my eye.  I looked up and his miming told me he would like a cuppa.  Thumbs up from me and I came down to put the kettle on.  Whilst making the cuppa's the postie came and with a parcel, hooooooooooooorrray one of my parcels..............................NO another for my son Mike....................deflated.......................... will have to wait till Monday now.

So onto my creation of the day. This card I am entering into several challenges, love a challenge or two don't you......

Stamp Something = Love Something

I have used these cute bears, roses and hearts to show the love something

Stampin 4 the Weekend = Love is in the air

Again I have used the hearts and roses as well as the image top portray this.

Simon Says Stamp Challenge = Photo Inspired

Is it because all the other challenges are leaning towards valentine that we are lead in this direction, when possibly I could have done something to do with just garden's or green fly :o.

Copics Colour Challenge = 

The colours just work perfectly for these two cuddling in love bears.

ABC Challenge = N for New 

Well what is NOT new on this card.  I have used the two new martha stewart heart punches, the paper is another new pack added to the many in the Beach Hut.  The roses recently purchased from the Hobby House along with the white bottom flower (coloured with tattered rose by Tim Holtz)oh and the stamp is new too (I cut off a few bits to meet my requirements)

Creative Card Crew = Valentines

 The red and the roses for me just say it all.

So onto the Card here it is

 

It is another easel card, these are such a lovely way of showing off your work.  With it being a valentine card created with red's, roses, and punched hearts I felt that this like the rose photo in the Simon Says Stamp challenge just says "Love You!" 

A close up of the Martha Stewart Hearts with the little red roses.

The close up of the larger floral embellishment at the top right.

and as always those very addictive copics, with the ability to blend and on this image look soft and furry.  

 

I cut these out today and raised them to add a little more depth.

Well I have really enjoyed combining and creating this card, hope I can do equally as well with the tea, which I almost forgot.   Did finally get the meat out at 1 ish, so if it defrost we will be having pork of a kind and if it does not - may try out the new takeaway in Holton-Le-Clay......

Must go hug the poorly hubby, to make him feel a little loved - he has spent the day coughing at the football on the TV, bless him.

Have a good weekend and hope to post again tomorrow when I have finished the neighbours (male) birthday card................... oh I do love a male card challenge....

Take care all and happy crafting, thank you all for visiting and for all your recent comments.

chow for now

Hugs Kate xx

Flashing Decoupage Porsche Male Birthday Card

hiya all

I did not even give you time to miss me

Guess what - the Gas was back on when I got home, and Mike cooked tea - heaven..... we had eggs, bacon and chips with brown sauce, even better as I did not have to cook.  I washed up two pans and then it struck me....................................

well actually almost forgot a birthday (how awful of me) thank goodness I have a selection of stash bits and a fab hubby to search for pictures on the web for me. Actually think this card is more his idea than mine.  Let me explain that bit.  

Matt found the image, he sent it to print.  He cut out the top layer.  I layered the base grey card stock and layered the first total image down.  I created the computer generated sentiment and layered that.  Whilst Matt had an inspirational moment.  He wanted to add a gem behind the lights to make them look real.  I reminded him of the fiber optic bits stolen out of one of Mike's birthday cards.  Matt doctored the fiber optics and we stuck them down and added our foam bits to the correct height and hey presto one interesting and unusual decoupage male birthday card. 

How does one photograph this you say? well Matt said to take several photos in quick succession on my new camera with that function bit (laughs, can't remember where it said the button was for that) but pretended I knew what I was doing and the photo's do actually show it, in a fashion.....

Here is the card with several shots, if you look closely you will see different lights on different sides of the car in different shots.    

a close up of the fiber optics

 

Mike thinks Jay will be impressed, I think it is quite funky

well might be back again with a Xmas card before the weekend, 

ps has been snowing again, this time it rained and washed it away before I had chance to take a photo

take care all

Hugs Kate xx

Sugar Nellie Young Love and copics Valentine Card

Hi all

thought I was going to make a Xmas card for this weeks mid week post, however decided to try out one of my new Sugar Nellie Stamps "Young Love" and some new papers I purchased from "Tilly's" the other week, which are Panduro Hobby, Tilda Paper-craft "Autumn Lilac" very pretty.  Also decided to use my new Martha Stewart heart punches (love these, almost as much as I love the Sugar Bowl for its challenges)  The Sugar bowl recently has had some amazing sketches to follow and challenge 28 the sketch is by the very talented Marlene

anyway not sure if I got carried away but the lace was so beautiful with it's hearts on it too, that I had to do a bow and add some hearts too. 

So here is the card that I am entering into 

the Sugar Bowl Challenge 28 - Marlene's sketch and the lace requirement 

 

I love the way that the four squares make it appear you are looking through a window, it reminds me of the one I did before Xmas (on a much bigger scale for my order)  The sentiment was from the same paper stack.

Close up of the copic coloured image and the Hobby House pearls on the corners.  Copic colours are E00,E21,E02,E50,E31,E43,E35,E57,E53,E51, BV00, V91 and V95

 

  Below a close up of the new Martha Stewart heart, isn't it adorable, and a close up of the lace with the lace bow above.

 

For  a change I decided to photograph the inner, which I always decorate but forget to photograph.  On that thought are we all impressed that the daylight is now starting to stay with us, meaning that we can actually take photographs in better light. (I missed it, can't you tell)

 

Well hope your week is as interesting as mine, and for those of you keeping track of the National Grid Guys, yes they are still with us in our Crescent, and again cutting off the supply of gas to our homes tomorrow.  Will I actually get home to tea???? that is the big question.

Should be back towards the weekend, with a scheduled xmas card creation.

Take care all and thank you for looking and thanks for the recent lovely comments left by all, you make my days all the nicer.

Hugs Kate xx