What a gorgeous day !!

Isn't this weather just gorgeous?.... not that i'm one for sitting in the sun but it definately has an uplifting effect :) I've had a lovely start to my day meeting up with my friend Michelle for a coffee and a browse round our local craft shop, it's so nice to have someone who totally understands and shares a passion for crafting...thank you Michelle :)

Well i'm safe to share this card with you now as i know Dawny P has recieved it :)
I used the sweet Dahlia stamp...i love the expression on her face...papers are BG Lime Rickey, Glitter adhesive ribbon by We Are Memory Keepers, sentiment is Hero Arts and Papermania flowers to finish



I just wanted to ask before i go, anyone that uses Copics, how do you store them ? I've only had mine for about 6 weeks but i've had 2 pens dry out !! I've stored mine flat in a pencil case, lids tightly on, but i've noticed a lot of ink around the rim of the lids? I'm wondering now if i should be storing them vertically...any advice would be appreciated :)

Enjoy your day everyone xx

Thank you Julie

I thought i'd share a photo with you of the beautiful gift from Julie i received this week, aren't they gorgeous ?!
I've always admired Julie's work, when i first joined Docrafts in 07 her gallery was the first to really catch my eye, she has such a distinctive style and eye for colour..i'm sure most of you will be familiar with her blog but just in case you can find it here, I'm sure you'll agree, a very talented lady :)

I was browsing through Julies Etsy shop and spotted the gorgeous flowers she hand makes, and after a few emails we decided to do a little swap...i was thrilled to bits Julie when i opened my parcel, they are perfect :)

Here's the card i sent to Julie along with a few bits and bobs :)

Well i hope you all have a smashing weekend, the weathers beautiful...hurray xx

Stamp with fun Challenge

Morning everyone, here's my entry to the Stamp with fun challenge which this week is to follow a sketch.......so i used the sweet 'Sunflower Sprinkles' from Pink Gem Designs
the papers are My Minds Eye, Prima Hydrangea flowers, butterfly from my stash, sentiment is Tiny Tags from Pinkpetticoat

Have a lovely day everyone...xx

Competition at Diestodiefor !

There's a competition running till this Sunday at Diestodiefor, this week it's a sketch challenge by the fabulous Dawny P :)
Dawny's sketches are always a pleasure to do and this one is no exception !For my card i used this cheeky little monkey from the 'Sweet Treats' collection by CC Designs, papers are 'U Bug Me' stars by Bo Bunny and i punched out the stars with my Fiskars squeeze punch.......So what are the prizes ? Well for all the info on the competition pop over here to Tracy's blog, i can say that the first prize is a set of the gorgeous NEW Miss Anya's, Rain, Snow and Shine !!!

Housework and singing ?

Sooooo are you like me? when you HAVE to do the housework do you listen to music at the same time, it seems to help me get things done and it's the ONLY time you'll here me sing...cos i cant sing, lol, but when there's no one around who cares :) So i thought i'd share this with you
I love Adeles album, this is my favourite, if i'm feeling a little unloved and unappreciated i'm not sure why it cheers me up xx

ps...brill album

Tuesday Taggers Challenge 2 ..Bright and Bold

Morning everyone, time for another challenge at Tuesday Taggers and this week the theme is 'BRIGHT AND BOLD'
I decided to make an ATC for this challenge using one of the new Miss Anyas 'Shine', BG Lime Rickey papers , sun element is by Fancy Pants, Doodlebug rub ons and Craft Creations stickers..all inspired by the lovely weather we had this weekend :)

We are so pleased to have so many join in with the challenge last week, thank you, check out the DT's creations here

CC Challenge.. Pink, Lemon Sorbet and Chocolate

Morning Everyone, hope you are all enjoying some lovely weather today, it's glorious sunshine here in Yorkshire and about time too after all that horrible rain !

So this weeks challenge at CC is brought to you by little ol' me...a combination of Pink, Lemon Sorbet and Chocolate...
with the extra option of 'Shabby Chic'...
Now i'm not sure i've hit the mark with my extra option but really however you see to incorperate this into your design is ok, be it lace, ribbons, buttons, distressing, chintzy patterns etc, etc.

So for my card i used a new Leanne Ellis stamp from Funkykits which i stamped on to the background paper first, then onto white card, colored her with copics and cut out to place onto the patterned paper, the papers used here are My Minds Eye. I added clear dewdrops, Hero Arts sentiment, ribbon and lace, button from stash and to finish Glossy Accents and stickles here and there..

Before i go i'd like to say farewell to Kim who's leaving the CC dt to concentrate on family life and other work commitments,her cards are always an inspiration, will miss you Kim :(.... and there is going to be a change at CC from this week, i'll let Tara explain, to find out and check out the gorgeous creations of the DT pop over here..

Have a lovely Bank Holiday weekend everyone xx

Hello, here's a card i made for my lovely friend Janet, she kindly put a kit together for this weeks session at my craft club, you can see the project at the bottom of this post, I'd wanted to make the Tea Bag Bag but couldn't figure out the instructions i'd seen on another challenge blog so i asked Janet to have a look, she tweeked it a little, parts of the info was missing originally, but i am hopeless when it comes to measuring and folding...i NEVER measure anything for my cards, it's all by eye ! So this is the card i gave her to say thank you
I paper pieced my new Miss Anya 'Rain', was lucky to get my hands on this set from Diestodiefor at the weekend, thank you Tracy :) I added a BG rub on to black card, paper brads from Craftworkcards, sentiment by CCSR and organza ribbon to finish.
Here's the project, thank you so much Janet for your patience and for not slapping my hands for using so much paper trying to get the measurements and folding right, lol.

Before i go just a little update from Pink Gem Designs, Janet is now taking pre orders on 9 NEW designs that are available earlier than planned, these will be ready to be dispatched on Saturday 23rd of May...pop over here to see whats new !

Tuesday Taggers....New Beginnings

Morning Everyone,I was really honoured to be asked to join the DT at Tuesday Taggers, a brand new challenge blog that has launched today ! Making Tags, ATCs and Inchies is a great way to really stretch your creativity, working on different scales is a challenge in itself :) The first challenge today is ' New Beginnings'...eg New Baby, New Home, New Love, really any way you would interpret the title. Here's my first tag, just me playing really, and as always you know i love cute :) The little fairy is from the 'Fairy Doodles' collection by Buzzcraft, paper is K&CO, scalloped border i used a Fiskars punch and added the alphabet stickers by Craft Creations
This is my 'New Beginnings' tag All the elements on here are Doodlebug stickers, they have been in my craft box for 2 years ! Finally got to use them...added BG buttons and ribbon from stash.

A big thank you from the Tuesday Taggers team to Deb's for all her hard work on making the TT blog look fabulous and a personal thank you for my gorgeous new header, you're a star Debs :)

Hope you'll pop over here, check out the fantastic work of the DT ....and just say hi :)

Enjoy your day xx

Colour Create Challenge..Tan, Ecru and Blue

Hello everyone, time for another challenge at CC, this week it's the talented Kim's choice of Tan, Ecru and Blue with the extra option of Glitter, Gloss and Glaze
I used my new Dahlia stamp, i just love this image she's soooooooo cute :) available from Diestodiefor, the papers are BG Euphoria..the nearest i could find in my huge paper stash to this weeks combo, added ribbon, paper brads from Craftworkcards, Hero Arts sentiment...
And a touch of Glossy Accents and SticklesAs always the DT have created wonderful cards to inspire...enjoy the challenge xx

Goth Girl

Just a quick post to share this card...have to say i've been so busy spring cleaning this week i've not had much time to craft but it's all done now so i'm looking forward to relaxing and getting creative and catching up with everyones blogs..see what you've been up to :)This is the lovely Goth Girl from PGD, i've coloured her with copics, papers are Daisy Bucket available at Diestodiefor, added a little sequin trim and Hero Arts sentiment...Have a nice weekend everyone xx

They're here !

Morning everyone, thought i'd share my excitement, lol, if you're looking for the new Miss Anya's 'Rain, Snow and Shine' then pop over to Diestodiefor cos they have arrived !!!

EDIT....first batch have sold out but keep looking cos Tracy is adding another batch of the new Anyas asap

Willow Sketchie

Morning everyone....time for another challenge at Willow Sketchie ! It's my turn to come up with a sketch...so here it is...a little rustic, hand drawn sketchie today :)My little extra is 'Buttons, Bows and Ribbon'...nice and easy..
The little family is complete with Sharon's latest additions 'Willow and Woody', so cute ! You can find them hereFor my card i used BG papers, Maya Rd ribbon, BG buttons and a Hero Arts sentiment. As always the downloads are fantastic value, 3 designs, coloured and un-coloured, for my card i used the pre coloured design. Hope you'll join us...have fun xx

PGD update...

Due to such a huge response to the DT call Janet has decided to close the call early, it's now open till this Tuesday the 12th 6pm, here's a link.

To celebrate the launch of PinkGemDesigns.com Janets running a free draw to win any 6 stamps from the whole range, plus the first 10 customers to place an order for £20 or more will recieve a surprise bonus stamp !

Colour challenge...Green and Blue

Morning Everyone, hope you are all having a good weekend?....well this weeks challenge at CC, brought to you by the talented Heather, is Green and Blue with the added extra of paper piecing
For my card i used the lovely Gorjuss Girl from Funkykits, papers are a mixture of (Blue) BG Lime Rickey and (Green Spotty) 'Share Your Toys' by Daisy Bucket available at Diestodiefor, Sparkley lace ribbon by We Are Memory Keepers 'Tiffany' range, sentiment is by Hero Arts, added a few gems here and there for extra bling
I love paper piecing...so effective in bringing a card together As always the DT have created wonderful work to give you inspiration, hope you'll join us xx

PGD has a New Home.... Design Team Call

Janet, the talented lady behind Pink Gem Designs, is looking for a new talent to join the DT, the call is open till Saturday 23rd of May, if you'd like to have a go pop over here :)

There's lots of exciting times ahead for PGD, a brand new website launched today, you can have a peek here, magazine articles and lots and lots of brand new summer releases !

Competition at Diestodiefor !

Morning everyone, Tracy at Diestodiefor has a competition running this week till Thursday 14th may 9pm...it's called ' A - Z of crafting..is easy peasy so if you fancy joining in pop over here..........she's also had some restocks of the sweet Pink Cat Studio 'Lily' collection, 'Lily at the beach' perfect for summer cards, 'Enchanted Lily' and QT Hooty too :) xx

Ice Cream anyone?

Hello Everyone, well what a palava last night with my missing background, lol, Martine you saved me from a sleepless night, thank you love ;) I think i shall leave it be......well for now anyway, it's Debs fault for tempting me with her gorgeous backgrounds, if you click on the little button on the top left corner you will see what i mean !

Anyway as the horrible wet weather has disappeared for now and the sun is shining i thought i would share a couple of samples i made a while back for a local shop, both cards are made with new releases from Woodware...this one is 'Ice Cream Parfait', i used My Minds Eye papers, lovely pinks and chocolate browns
and this one is the Pirate collection, i think the papers are Prima ? The little skull is from Tim Holtz Grungeboard elements collection which i painted white and coated with glossy accents.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to say farewell and thank you to all the girls on the Stampin Chic DT, i've made the decision leave so i can focus on family life for a while, have a terrible teen at home who is testing me to the limit, and I'd also like to concentrate more on my other DT commitments, so thank you Clare and the 'Stampin Chic Team' for having me xx

Martine you are a STAR !

Thank you...thank you .....thank you, am happy now :D x

Help !!.....

Ok major panic..i've deleted my background element...how do i get it back :( Should leave well alone i know, lol.....helppppppppppppppppppppppppppp me?

Edit....ok i've gone dark cos the whiteness was blinding me, lol.

Little tip, if you want to change your background which i have done before a few times whatever you do DONT click on remove !

I want my background back :(

Okayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy i've asked the Blog Doctor ! Watch this space :)

Papertake Challenge

Hi Everyone, well been taking advantage of the awful wet weather here, what a change to last week :(...but great excuse to sit and craft....thought i'd have a go at this weeks challenge at Papertake Weekly, a lovely simple sketch by Dawny..For my card i used a new stamp 'Suzette' one of the gorgeous Ketto designs from Stampingbella, i'd like them all but this is my favourite, the papers are Bo Bunny 'U Bug Me' Dot, gorgeous double sided designs available at Diestodiefor,Tracy has just had delivery of the new Penny Black stamps too, but be quick if you want some cos they will fly, Spotty ribbon from stash and i've used the dinky alphabet by Craft Creations again to personalise the card, a little thank you card for my Aunty after a brilliant weekend away :)

A closer look, the Ketto stamps are smaller than your average designs
Thanks for all your lovely commments, Cass you would LOVE 'We Will Rock You', you've got to see it...Have a great day all xx

Had a fabulous time !

Hello Everyone, hope you all had a great Bank Holiday Weekend......I did :) We set off for Manchester Saturday morning ready to book in to the hotel for lunchtime, nothing fancy, Travel Lodge is what it is but a 2 minute walk to the city centre....FAB...then we found a lovely hip/trendy bar to have some yummy lunch and share a lurvley bottle of Rose` before we headed to The Palace Theatre to see 'We Will Rock You' the Musical
Here's a link about the cast who were fantastic and where the shows going next and there are some photos, click on the link, of the opening night and of the show itself...It's the best Musical I've seen, the standard of singing, acting dancing was amazing..had front row seats too ! here Here's a little taster courtesy of You tube, i think this is from the London show After the show we had a couple of hours retail therapy :) Primark is HUGE.....Paperchase ...i LOVE that store, adorable stationary, notebooks, ribbon...but was very restrained and only bought the cutest pencil/pen case adorned with owls for my copics...then a quick dash back to the hotel to change for tea here...Chinatown A fantastic end to a fantastic day....Sunday we had an early coffee fix at Starbucks, Mmmmmmmmmmm, then it was a 20 minute drive to The Trafford Centre, my god that place is ENORMOUS ! reminded me of the large American shopping malls.. Had a lovely lunch at Nandos, bit more retail therapy, window shopping in Selfridges...though when i win the lottery i have a list in my head of 'must haves' then it was back to reality with a bump ....Boooooooooooooo :) All this was a very, very early birthday treat for me from my Aunty...lucky girl arnt i ? Thank you Mandy...love you lots, and Hilary, had the best time, just what i needed..wanna do it all again soon !xx

Colour Create Challenge #14 Choc, Cream and Red

So here's my DT card for this weeks challenge at CC, it's the talented Mina's turn to bring you the colour challenge of Chocolate, Cream and Red with the extra option being 'Ribbon'
For my card i used the lovely Flutter Anya by The Greetings Farm available at Diestodiefor which i coloured with Copics and stickles...the spotty paper is an offcut i've had for ages so i cant recall who it's made by..K&co paper ribbon, red satin ribbon and the ticket/sentiment is this months freebie with Craft Stamper mag ! Next months freebie is going to be an adorable owl by Sugar Nellie :)Not to be missed ...


Sorry for my lack of posts this week, my connection to the tinternet has been a bit hit and miss, browser problems i think...plus life in general has been a little stressful and has struck my mojo/desire to craft...but i always pick myself up and this weekend i'm away in Manchester to see 'We will Rock you ' the Musical...a little bit of me time with some girlfriends,so have scheduled this post...hope it works ...thanks for popping by.....