Another Showcase

Good morning all, I hope your day has begun in a good way for you.  This is a short post today but just as important.  It is a Showcase post and it is another card.........

 by Christine Hussey.

This is Violet and pony and aren't they just the sweetest.  She really loves that pony and boy does he know it.... look at that happy grin on his face!!  He looks like the cat that had the cream doesn't he. lol!   Christine has used MME Lost & Found paper in the background and Spellbinders scalloped circle die for the main image and matt.  The flowers are from WOC I do believe.  Hopefully Christine will fill us in with any details I have missed.
 
A gorgeous card and so beautifully laid out.  Thank you so much Christine for letting me show more of your creations.  You have been working really hard and I am honoured to be able to show them to everyone.
I am off now to try and get my latest Crochet Lace patterns written up so I can put them on the blog. One of my followers and dear friend has been waiting an age for me to finish these patterns (I am fine at designing patterns and crocheting them, but writing them down......... that's when I usually fail).  I have just one left to do, so keep your fingers crossed!
Have a wonderful day all, whatever you are up to today. 
Regards Linda xx

A little of me and a Showcase too

Morning all,
I made this card using one of my favourite paper pads.  It is from My Minds Eye Lost & Found series, called Market Street.  I love the peachy tones with soft greens and lots of scripted papers too.
The plaid one shown here is actually glittered, which you can just see if you zoom in.   (For newbies to blogland, to zoom in just right click on the picture, open in new tab, in that tab when you hover over picture a zoom tool (cross) should appear, click to see in maximum size).
The button and dragonfly are part of the fabulous Fimo pieces that Linda W. sent to me; they coordinate beautifully.  I used some 8 & 10mm half pearls from Ebay to add a little glamour.  They are not self adhesive, but I prefer them that way.  I just put a dab of glue where I want them and drop them on, its easy and you can move them a little before they become fully set.  I don't know about you but whenever I use something self adhesive, you can bet your bottom dollar I will drop it in the wrong place and then almost cry because I cannot adjust it.  One of those....AAAARRRGGGHHHH... moments, lol!

I decorated the inside to coordinate too, but added a diecut flower (one layer of Spellbinders Rose) with a brad for less bulk.  The twine was originally natural so I dyed it to match using an antique pink Promarker.

Here you can see the dimension of the layers and embellishments and view the inside and outside together.

I am really happy with how this card turned out and although I couldn't do the 'Happy dance', I did grin alot for a while (if I had been a bird at the time, I'd have been a peacock for sure, strutting around all proud and a little smug ...lol!!)
So that is my card for today.   Now I have a card from a very special lady, Christine Hussey.   Christine has sent me a few cards to show and I will showcase them over the week, so please keep an eye out for them.  She doesn't have her own blog and therefore I would love it if you could give her a shout out and let her know what you think.

This is a 13th Birthday card that Christine made, isn't it just lovely.  It's perfect for a teenage girl.
I adore the soft mottled background and those flowers are just gorgeous.  I loved all the pictures Christine sent me of her cards, but this one did find a soft spot, it has to be my favourite.  You can decide for yourselves as the week goes on.
Well that's it for today.  I hope you all have a great day.  I am still busy, busy (lots of sewing today), but I will sit down and visit all the blogs I have missed.  Take care.
Regards Linda xx 

Challenge Twist!

Hi all I am back with a second post for today as we have our first entry into the 'Almost White Challenge' for more CANDY............yay!!!.
Do you remember when I mentioned on my post of 4th August (Happy dance card), that to make our next Candy a bit more fun it would have a Challenge attached;  we have the Challenge but where is the twist or the fun element?  Well, here it comes.

The first fun element is:-

 Additional items added to the Candy pot every week. 
The second fun element is:-
Hidden 'extras/surprises' along the way.  

Now I will not be telling you where they can be found or how, you will only know when they occur.


Well today we have our first and it is a SURPRISE for

Sue P (Planetsusie)

As our first entrant you get the first surprise!

Big Congratulations to you.  You now have the chance to choose the next item to be added to the Candy pot.

 Here is the list of items to choose from:-

1. Any rubber stamp up to the value of £5.00 from LOTV 

2. A £5.00 gift voucher from Joanna Sheen

3.  Vintage seam binding in 5 colours of your chosing

4.  A Tim Holtz distress ink pad. Colour of your choice.

Don't go anywhere yet, there is another surprise too!!

 As our first surprise winner, not only do you get to choose the next item to be added to the Candy, YOU get that item sent to you too!   How exciting is this getting!!
Oh ok, maybe it's just me (I do so love to give things away to my lovely followers!).

Please email me Sue and leave a comment so we all know what item has been added to the Candy.

I hope you are getting a little more excited about the Challenge now.  If so,  get those entries in because you never know where the next SURPRISE is going to be!!!

Have a great evening.   Regards Linda xx 

Something a bit different

Hi all,
I think I am having one of those times in life when disquiet sets in and it is hard to shake.  Major life changes have contributed to this I know and to complicate it all I am still going through the change.  I am, as I type, having a horrid hot flush!  Boy do I hate being a woman at times.
Oh I sound so sorry for myself, I am not I promise.   I am telling you this just in conversation as I think I have been talking to myself far too long today...LOL!!

Today I have something to show you that I bought about 6months ago in The Range.  It is a photo/letter holder that I am making up as a photo holder for my daughter.

This is how it came when I bought it, nice and somewhat shabby chic.

For me I thought it needed a little something extra and knowing my daughter I thought a little bit of ribbon and some beads would be needed.    So without further ado,  

  ABRA CADABRA!!

Search Description

Lots of one inch ribbon ruffled and sewn to the frame 

along with oodles of pink and crystal clear seed beads.

A little bow in the center just to cover the ends and finish it off.

At some of the intersections I used some shell doughnut beads with pearls and silver filigree beads

just to add a little interest.

So there you have it, something a little different and something quite easy to complete.

I hope you all have a lovely day today.  I have a wonderful card for you in my next post, using none other than my favourite My Minds Eye, Lost & Found Market Street papers.   I hope you can stop by.

Regards Linda xx

Please can you make a little lady smile again

This little lady is called Alana, she is only 9 and has just been diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.  Donalda is a family friend and has asked if we could send a card to this young lady to cheer her up.  If you go to Donalda's blog (link below) and contact her by email she will forward the address to send the card.
I wonder if you would mind reading this little ladies story on Donalda's blog  and could find it in your heart to send her a card.  I am going to, I hope you will too!!
Thank you for reading, please pass this on if you can.

My card for today is the next post down if you have missed it and the Challenge Linky and prize will be up later this evening.  Thanks to everyone for the lovely comments.

Big hugs Linda xx

Just a quickie for a Challenge!

Good morning all,
I have a quick post today to show you a little card I managed to make earlier this week.  It is along the lines of a creation by the lovely Teresa Kline, but unfortunately I cannot, for the life of me, find the card to show you.  I will keep trying to source it so that I can put a link to it on Teresas blog.  
Here it is, isn't it fresh.  I don't know why one card strikes me more than another, but I just loved the overall effect of this one.  I think I love the colours against the Kraft card - its like flowers upon the earth and so perfect for the sentiment.  Don't you agree?  Here is a link to Teresa's blog for anyone who has never visited her (the card below is directly linked to the post on Teresa blog).

  So now as you can see, my card is along the same layout lines but completely different (and I've just realised how wonky my line of bunting is...ooo naughty Linda...LOL!)

I am not 100% happy with the finished card, I feel I failed myself alittle as the idea in my head did not come out completely on the finished article.  I wanted the pink to be less bright, even though this is called baby pink.  I was really looking for a very soft and muted pink but had nothing that pale in my stash.
I was trying to create a card that was 'almost white' with hints of colour to just distinquish the diecuts and flowers but not make them overpowering.  Nevermind, you now have the gist of my idea.
So with that in mind, we have our Challenge (at last).

The Challenge is to create a papercraft item with the theme  'Almost White'.
Your main colour must be white or Almost white (Ivory) and must have no more than two other colours with one being of a larger percentage than the other.  (eg. My card is White with secondary colour Pink and a tiny touch of green in the flowers).
I do hope that makes sense, I am very tired now and am getting a little dim witted (now, now, no sarcasm please, I know I am not the brightest spark at the best of times...LOL!!)   Please think about it and see if you can find the time to enter something.

I don't like lots of rules but just ask that everyone enters something new and never seen before today in blogland.  Each participant can enter up to two different papercraft items (eg. one card and one tag OR one tag and one box etc.)  Two of the same type of papercraft item is NOT allowed (eg. two cards is a no no!).
So there you have it, I do hope you will all join in and play along.  I will be back later today to put up the prize (or prizes) and the linky for your entries.
Hugs Linda xx

MY RECIPE:-
Base card   -    Ice white Centura Pearl card from Crafters Companion
Embossing   -   I used the matt side of Centura Pearl card and 'Tied Together' Embossing folder from Creative Expressions
Lace   -   Dovecraft eyelet lace from Ebay
Flowers   -   Wild Orchid Crafts
Ribbon   -   Upcycled (from inside a dress)
Half Pearls   -   8mm white pearls from Ebay (up to size 14mm, also in ivory)
Pink card & spotty paper    -    from my stash.

No card or tutorial!

Good morning to you all and thank you for the lovely comments yesterday. 
Well I have done it, I have been to everyones blog and said Hi and have caught up at last, Whoopey!!   I must admit you have all been so busy and the quality of cardmaking is amazing;  I was oohing and aarghing all over the place.  I was overloaded with all the beautiful and colourful inspiration and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  I can see a couple of CASE cards on the horizon.
Well I am sorry but the challenge and a card have not materialised.  Why I hear you ask?   Well I didn't sleep again on Sunday night and so last night I was so shattered I couldn't keep my eyes open enough to focus on anything.  So I am taking today off to spend time playing with my wonderful grandson Jake and then I will hopefully feel refreshed and ready to craft.   I am feeling well I promise, just need a complete change today and I think some quality time with Jake is just what the doctor ordered.
Thank you for bearing with me, I know I am a bit slow at times, but I will get there soon I promise. So have a good day all and I will be back tomorrow fresh and hopefully revitalised too.
Big hugs Linda x

Promarker Storage - Finished at Last

Hello all and welcome to my latest followers,
Today,  I want to start by saying a big, big THANK YOU to Anne for her generosity. 
A few weeks ago I mentioned in one of my posts that I needed either a 10/11mm circular punch or the same size in white circular labels.  I desperately needed to mark the ends of my Promarkers with the colour inside to make searching easy when I was colouring and several of you kindly gave me some wonderful ideas and advice, thank you to you all for that.
Well to my delight Anne had found and used some of the labels I needed and most generously sent  me two packs of them. The smaller sized dots I put on the ends of the Promarkers and the larger ones I put into my notebook so I can always see what colours I have when ordering or buying more (Anne gave me that tip too).  Bless you Anne, you really did make me a very happy chickie!  You said they were inexpensive, but to me their value was much greater.  I now had something I had been trying to find for months and you saved me from having to trawl the internet again and again.
Now all my Promarkers are easily identified and tidied away within easy reach, right next to my craft desk.  I made a foamboard storage rack to fit within an old Ikea CD shelf unit next to my desk.   A fab job done and all thanks to the lovely people I keep meeting via crafting.   I love the world of crafting, don't you!!!
Here's the finished Promarkers (I don't have them all yet, but I am trying to buy a couple every month in my craft budget).

Here is how the unit sits next to my main craft desk.  Now all I need to do is sort through my Whisper & Sakura pens and my colouring pencils (below) and that will be another unit tidied.
On the left of that unit you can see my latest acquistion, my mini drawer unit.  It is a fabulous unit with very long drawers that are broken down into three sections with removeable dividers.  I store everything from my long fancy pins, grommets and pearly buttons to metal hinges, tiny brads and eyelets. They all stay in position and because the drawers are wide enough to allow for your fingers to reach in, removal of items is easy peasy!   That's 32 drawers times 3 sections giving a whopping 96 compartments, plus the big bottom drawer; all that for just £8, not bad aye!! (Aldi product).  I just have to label it now.

Well that's another storage solution completed (well two if you count my mini drawers).   I know from your emails that some of you have your own awesome ways of storing your markers etc, maybe you could share them with us today, if you have time.
Before I go, I meant to say in yesterdays post, that I ran out of mount board and as I didn't want to spend money to buy more I decided to recycle again  (which I love to do as often as possible).  Using some card from old cereal boxes etc, I glued four layers together, picture sides inside, and let them dry beneath a couple of heavy plastic storage boxes.  I then used one of my mountboard ribbon cards as a template, cutting them out with my craft knife and a metal edged ruler.  By using several layers with glue between, it gives the card extra strength.
I am going to try and get the competition up tomorrow as long as I get all the work done that is planned for today.  So keep those fingers crossed for me because if I am honest, I am really getting fed up of clearing, cleaning, organising and reorganising.  Don't worry I have been having time to rest; but thats half the problem, my silly back is the reason it is taking so long! Maybe I should just leave it completely for a few days and just craft to cheer myself up a bit.  Then I can get back to it with some renewed gusto.... ummm worth considering me thinks :D 
I hope you all have a productive and enjoyable day today.  Be happy dear blog friends and thank you all again for your warm and wonderful comments, they really do mean the world to me.
Best wishes and Big Hugs Linda xx

Tips For Storing Your Ribbon & Lace

Good morning and welcome to another storage idea post. 
Some weeks ago, while taking pictures of my Die & Rubber stamp storage I took some pictures of my latest idea for my ribbons & lace too.   For some unknown reason I didn't put them up on the blog to share with you at that time, so I've decided to carry on today where I left off.

I don't know about you but I started to buy more and more of my ribbon in full spools, especially the plain, unpatterned ones, as I found I could get it much cheaper than when buying by the metre.  Of course in the beginning a few spools here and there didn't really cause a problem, but as time went on the number of spools grew and the mess became a real bother.   My first solution, in my old craftroom, was to have a narrow metal curtain pole put up, suspended from underneath the base shelf on the wall directly in front of me at my craft desk.  This worked out really well and was perfect until I moved to the bigger craftroom.  In my new room I slightly redesigned the layout around my main craft desk and filled the space beneath my new shelves with miniature draw units and utility boxes.   Now what to do with my ribbons? (which by the way were all still on the extendable curtain pole, stood in the corner of the room; ribbons slowly curling themselves off the spools.)
Well thanks to a clever lady on 'Pinterest' I found an idea that I modified a little and I created a drawer of carded ribbons and lace (I am so sorry but I cannot find the link to the originator, if I do find it in the future I promise to add it so she receives the credit due).

To the right of my main craft desk I have a smaller, narrower desk running along the wall under the window.  Under this I have a set of three plastic drawers that take 12x12 paper easily and they worked out perfect for my ribbons etc.  I have used some foamboard to section off the drawers.  Unfotunately I didn't glue the sectioners into place before I took the photograph so they have moved slightly and look a little messy.  Nevermind it still gives you the overall effect.  Now to the storage cards themselves.
A few years ago  I owned a Wedding Stationers which I ran from my home.  I loved it.  It was my dream come true!  Unfortunately, as my health deteriorated much quicker than I expected, I could no longer cope with the hours of work required for a successful business and so I had to cease trading.  After my spinal surgery I was told I would never be able to work again;  then I started the business and it looked like my life was not over after all.  Then another blow, this was the final time I would ever work and it had come to an end.  The only advantage was that it left me with lots of cardstock, including mount board. 
First I sectioned the drawer with the foamboard and then set about cutting up the mount board to fit within the sections.  I had some oddments that were alot smaller, but I didn't waste them I cut them to shape and used them for the smaller reels of ribbon (as pictured here with the blue organza).

 For some of the larger lengths I cut the cards with the indents on the opposite sides (as pictured above with the ivory lace).

 Shorter lengths and narrower ribbons were easily accomodated on one card, the same idea working for oddments of one type also.

On this card I have lengths of faux suede (it's beautifully fine and delicate). They measure approximately 1inch wide by 12-14inches in length.   I wonder if you could possibly guess where I got it from?  I'll give you a clue, it's another upcycle.    Well, I'll tell you.  It started life stuck onto the plastic shell of an uplighter shade in my bedroom.  I have wanted to change it for a while now and when I did, eventually take it down I thought about just ripping off the fabric and recycling the actual shade.  However, on close inspection of the fabric as I started to pull it away from the shade, I realised it was so fine that it would make lovely ribbon.  It is so soft and flexible that it folds into pleats like a dream and ruches up easily to make really pretty flowers.  What a find, don't you just love it when you can find something so special and it cost you nothing at all!!

Thats another storage idea finished at long last.   I am just sorry that I didn't get it done sooner for you, but better late than never, that's what they say (whoever they are...LOL!).
Have a great day and keep smiling.   Linda xx





 

Decorative Pins Slider Box Tutorial

Hiya,
It's really good to be back with you again today.  As promised I have another tutorial for you.  It may not be for all of you, but I hope it will be useful to some.
Todays tutorial is to create a Slider Box for your Decorative Pins (though it could be adapted for other uses).

Here is the finished article.

and all its components.

Once I had designed the box to suit my Fancy Decorative Pins, I used the fabulous Spellbinders packaging (again, you say?  Yes, it's becoming an essential piece of my kit!), to make a template.  Much easier than measuring when you have several to make and I had 15 to do straight off ready for giveaways and Candy prizes.

 1.  Cut out the Box Slider 18.4cm by 10.3cm. Score from each end, along the width, at 1.25cm, 2.5cm and 3.75cm.  Then along the length at 1.25 on both sides.   (Here you can see the acetate template I made on top of the card already cut to size.)

2.  Cut down the score line of the long sides until you reach the 3.75cm score line on all four sides.

3.  Fold the long sides up and push the cut flaps into the center. Next, fold over the shorter ends to encapsulate the end flaps and secure the box.

4.  Cut the Box Slider liner to 7.6cm by 10.2cm

(Please, please, please excuse my awful writing, I was rushing when I created the templates and didn't have the time to produce tidier ones to show you.  I didn't want to risk leaving it until another day incase I was away from the blog again for a short while)

5.  Cut the Box Slider Pin Holder to 7.6cm by 11.2cm.
Score at 1.6cm (Sorry, I've just realised I wrote 1.5 on the template) and at 2.8cm and 4cm.
Fold the 1.6cm and 4cm scores as valley folds and the 2.8cm score as a mountain fold.

6.  Attach the Pin Holder to the Box Liner up to the 4cm fold.  Next attach only the 1.6cm piece to the base of the Box Liner allowing the extra card to form a mountain in which to secure the pins.

7.  Cut out the Box Outer Slider to 10.6cm by 19.7cm.
Score, from one end, at 0.9cm, 9cm, 10.25cm and 18.4cm.
If you want an aperture, decide on the diecut shape you want and position so the center is at approx 4cm (or to suit your needs).

8.  Cut a piece of acetate (recycle that Spellbinder or other packaging again) to fit inside the box and glue it in position along the bottom and top edge.  This acetate acts as a perfect window in the aperture, but it also strenghthens the box and stops the pins from damaging the box front.

9.  Finally Glue the shorter flap behind the opposite end flap to form the Outer Cover, press firmly from inside to secure.

Now to the adhesive.  I used Redline tape for securing the Outer cover but a wet glue could just as easily be used.  For the acetate, I used a simple 3mm tape and for the inner Pin Holder and liner, I used a few drops of wet glue.






I have displayed the finished box with only four pins, but it will infact hold up to seven pins; it depends totally on the size of the beads used.  I have made up a few of these boxes ready for gifts or Candy and also to store some of my own pins.  They provide much needed protection if I have used speciality beads on my pins and it stops the pins rubbing together.
Well, there we have it, another Tutorial complete.  I do hope it will be of some use to those of you who love to make pins as I do and also to those who are going to have a go sometime soon.
I will be around blogland again today, trying hard to catch up with you all.
I hope you have a wonderful day.    Best wishes Linda xx

Tutorial as planned

Good morning all,
Well at last I managed to find enough time to get to the craftroom and do the tutorial I planned.  Infact I have done two, so look out tomorrow for the second one!  I have included this with all my Tutorials for future reference.  Just click on the Tutorials Tab at the top of my home page and you will find a myriad of useful and helpful ideas, not only from myself and also from other crafters that have really impressed me.

Todays tutorial is simple but so useful and it is a bit of upcycling too.   So what is it?  Well, do you remember the last card I made?  Ok, no jokes now, it's not been that long...LOL!!  I used this technique to create that card.  Here's a reminder for anyone that may have missed it....

What I want to show you is another way to use your packaging from Spellbinders or other flat acetate packaging;   and it includes using the dies that came in the packaging too!  So two birds, one stone scenario, good aye!

When you cut your packaging from the dies take care to cut it as close to the curves as possible to create the biggest flat sheets of acetate as possible, it makes it easier for larger dies.  Now all you have to do is decide which shape you want to cut first.


USING THE APERTURE OR WASTE PIECE

Step One:  Cut your die shape from the acetate.  Try to center your die on the acetate before putting it through your GC, Cuttlebug, Big Shot etc; this will be beneficial when using the template.
(Sorry about the glare on the acetate but I had to have it so the acetate would show up.)



 Step Two:  Adhere your acetate in the correct position using tiny bits of removeable tape. I then used some sticky notes to protect any uncovered cardstock.  Next, using your preferred tool, apply your ink of choice and swirl it through the aperture until the required depth of colour is attained.  Add deeper tones to the outer edges if you want to create a center soft focus effect.  (Sorry mine is shown after I have stamped as I forgot to photograph it before!)




Step Three:  Remove the acetate and then stamp over the ink shape with your chosen stamp.  Take care to clean your acetate now with a wet wipe or just a damp cloth, dry and store till next time.
   STORING YOUR TEMPLATES.  Write the die name on the acetate with a permanent marker and store them in polypockets in an A4 file.  Arrange them in the same order as your dies are stored to make searching easy.

USING THE DIECUT SHAPE

Step One:  Adhere the acetate diecut to your chosen cardstock with tiny bits of removeable tape and then with your ink applicator apply the ink all around in a small circular motion or with outward sweeping strokes.
(I have done this purely for the demostration not for an actual card, so it is unfinished)

Step Two:  Remove the die to expose the open shaped area and clean the acetate with a wet wipe or damp cloth.  Dry and store as above.

Step Three:   Using your Aperture (waste) piece of acetate, place it over the shape and stamp through the aperture, taking care to press all over the stamp to ensure the image reaches the outer edges.

Step Four:  Remove the acetate, clean as before and then use your finished design as desired.  (I am going to cut mine down now to enclose all the red inked area and use it as a backdrop to a sentiment on a Spellbinders Fancy Tag) Perfect, a background and matt all in one!



I do hope you like my little tutorial and will have a play yourself.  It is wonderful the things you can do with bits of old plastic, ink and some inspiration.  I'd love to see what you do, so maybe you could let me know if you use this techinique at any time and I could take a look.

Well, have a good day and stay crafting!! (Oh lord, I am getting to sound like Bruce Forsyth.....LOL!!)   See you soon   Linda xx

Another blog

Hi and good morning all.
Sorry folks Jenny having problems with her post, please would you try again later, hopefully the issues will have been resolved. Do you remember me asking for your support for Christine Harrops new blog and then hinting that another of our community was setting theirs up too?  Well it's done and I would love it if you could show the same thoughtful support for this one also as it gets underway.
Our lovely Jenny Lawrence has set up her blog and it's called Cardsareus.
Here is a link Cardsarus if you feel you would like to pop over and say Hi.  I know we all have a lot of favourite sites to visit and little precious time in which to get to them all, but if you could find just two minutes to say Hello or welcome I am certain Jenny would be over the moon.

Thank you so much.  I hope to be back nice and early tomorrow with a tutorial for you.
Have a great week all and don't work too hard. Lol!
Hugs Linda xx

The least welcome card to make

Thank you all for your lovely comments yesterday.  I am so pleased you liked the tinting on the card.  I wanted so much to show that 'colouring' does not have to be a big issue and something to fear.  I, myself, have very little colouring skills and am still learning slowly with the help of tutorials and samples from wonderful bloggers such as Bev Rochester &  Dena Concienne.  I am going to have a play with monochrome colouring over the next week or so as it seems to be the next big thing that is taking over the cardmaking world. I must admit, it looks really good, epecially when used with a splash of colour.

Todays card is one I really didn't want to have to make, but unfortunately death is a big part of life and we cannot avoid it no matter what we do, but oh, do I wish we could.  A dear friend of mine recently lost her brother suddenly and most unexpectedly, he was only in his thirties and had a lifetime ahead of him.  I was so unsure what to do for this card, so in the end I thought it best to keep it very simple to mark my respect. 

Basically I cut out a Spellbinders Labels 14 and used the 'waste' piece as a mask to sponge through.
I used a mix of Latte VersaMagic ink and Walnut stain Distress ink for this.
I stamped the flowers and the sentiment using black Archival ink, adding a slim ribbon and pleated bow with 8mm half pearls to finish off.  Well that's it, simple but suitable I think, what do you think?
My heart goes out to the family;  how do you come to terms with something so sudden and so totally unexpected.  It must be so difficult for them at this time and for some time to come.  What an awful shock to have to come to terms with. 
I do hope you are all well and enjoying this glorious sunshine.
Take care.  Biggest Hugs Linda xx

A dogs life

(If you are looking for todays card, please scroll down to last post)

The longstanding campaign aims to raise awareness of the consequences of treating dogs as gifts or toys. Every year hundreds of thousands of children plead for the latest fad or top toy on the market, only to discard them a few weeks after Christmas when the novelty wears off. Unfortunately, the same perception is also apparent with dogs. We are continually seeking to change this.

"A dog is for life, not just for Christmas".

If you agree...copy and paste this into your blog....thank you

Linda xx

Pastel phase

Good morning all,
I apologise for my absence but I have been so very busy that crafting of any kind has been almost impossible.  Today I decided I had to take some time out to craft and this is the fruit of my labour.

A delicate, pastel card with an image I have had for ages now, a freebie from somewhere or other (think it may have been in a magazine).  It was in a set of 4 or 5 pre-stamped bird images; they are all beautiful and quite easy to colour (or tint) too.   I do hope you like it.

Here's a close up showing the soft highlights of ivory and tea green Promarkers that I used to tint the image.  I didn't want a coloured image, just a hint of a colour here and there.  I think it worked out quite well in the end.

The second close up shows the ribbon which I coloured to coordinate using soft green Promarker. The greeting was stamped using VersaMagic chalk ink in Sea Breeze with clear embossing powder.
(Note:-  I buried the end of the Decorative Pin behind the bordered matt not only to protect fingers, but also to keep the pin stable.)

I used some Centura pearl in Ice white from Crafters Companion for the base card & duck egg blue leather effect card for matting (this was from my stash).  The pin is one of my own creations with a beautiful pearly button (shank cut off) from The Hobby House adorning the ribbon bow.  A Martha Stewart bubble punch was used for the border, with lace from Ebay and a sentiment from a Creative Expressions stamp plate.  The half pearls are 8mm in ivory and can be found here at  Perfect Tables on Ebay (I managed to buy up to size 14mm in both white and ivory).  Finally the paper I used is called 'Checks' and is a Pink Petticoat printable and can be found HERE.  These papers and a few others I own from Pink Petticoat are really unmissable.  They are only £1.99 per download and that is for 52 colours!  (some even come in positive and negative in the 52 colours for the same price!!!)  It is hard not to find a colour you need that's for sure.  I personally, have several different designs including Swirls and Curls Elegance, several Dots, Stripes and Grannie's Wallpaper to name but a few and they are all beautiful and definitely worth every penny. The beauty of having several designs is that they all come in the same 52 colours so mixing and matching is easy. 

Ok, I must leave it there for today as I have so much still to do, but thank you so much for your visit, I truly appreciate it.  Thank you too to everyone that showed their support on Christine Harrop's new blog, you are just the most kind and considerate blog friends and I know she really appreciated you taking the time to say Hi. 
Big Hugs Linda x

PS:- I am pleased to announce that both winners of the BIG 100 claimed their prizes and have taken delivery too (even Sonia in Italy).   I haven't forgotten about the challenge for the new Candy, I am still working on that and will try to get it up on the blog this coming week.  Thank you all for your patience. x

New Blog Info & cards

Morning all
I haven't got a card ready for today sorry,  I am still lagging in that department a bit, but I will try to get it finished for this evening.
However, I would like to share with you another blog that just today, started and again it's by one of our own little community.
Christine Harrop is doing her first ever post and I would love it if you could show her your support and maybe even mention it on your blogs to help get her started.
Heres a link (hope it works this time)   http://christinescardsandcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/     Thank you in advance.
I don't like 'good luck' Christine so...... You go girl....enjoy!
Oh I just had a thought,  I also know of another of our community about to set up a blog too, wonderful news.......... but what am I going to do for my Showcase Days? LOL!!!  I'll let you know when it goes live I promise.
In the meantime here are two beautiful cards I received from two of my lovely followers

This first card is by the very arty Carole Zorro.  Thank you Carole, it is so pretty and your stamping for the background and image within the window frame really make it unique.  I adore it.

I must admit I was Soooo impressed with your card reverse.  This is a stylish signoff and so elegantly done.

Now to a beautifully creation by Jenny Lawrence.  Isn't this a wonderful layout.
I adore your 'Pops' style card (as you call it), you have done so much work on this and I love it, thank you so much.

Nicely done inside too don't you think and those papers are just gorgeous.

Finally a little close up on the flowers, a very pretty bouquet.

I feel totally spoilt by you both, bless you.  They are now on my 'wall of fame' with all my other beautiful cards from my lovely followers.
Ok, well have a great day all and I hope it stays dry for you wherever you are and whatever you're doing.
Hugs Linda xx

A Delay, I'm Sorry.

Good morning all,
Thank you so much for all your lovely comments for my card yesterday, it has been growing on me more and more as I look at it.
Ok, no card for today, my apologies, been I have been really tired.   I know I said I would have the new Candy details today, but I am working on that so I ask you to bear with me, I will try to get something fun sorted and have it posted this week.  I think I need to get a little help with this one (you'll see what I mean if it comes to fruition).

Well I hope you all have nice plans for today, I have some of my family coming for dinner around 4pm.   I haven't seen much of my eldest son and his son this week so it will be nice to catch up.  I miss my grandson so much when he isn't here, I have gotten so used to having him every work day now!  So I am going to really enjoy today.

So enjoy your day whatever you are up to and I will be back with you tomorrow. 
Take care Linda xx

A Card......Happy dance, happy dance!!!

Morning all,
Wasn't it lovely to see two fabulous ladies win some Candy yesterday.  I wish I had lots of money to do a Candy give away every week, it's such fun.   Thank you all for the lovely comments again, you are so kind.  With Candy in mind, my next giveaway will have a little challenge attached.  More info tomorrow.  Please, please try and join in,  I need something good to keep my mind busy and you can all help (trying a bit of bribery now.......naughty me. LOL!!)  I'll try to make it fun I promise.

Ok, I have done it at last, I have made a card.  It is rather simple sorry, but at least I have started cardmaking again. I really was beginning to wonder if my mojo had taken a downward spiral but I think I have kicked it into touch, just about.  [Oooooo, can't you tell I'm a Welsh girl, rugby terms are inbuilt I think :) ]

I haven't put a sentiment on the card for two reasons: one I could not make up my mind which way up to have the card, as I think it looks good both ways (which way do you like it?) and two because I couldn't decide what to have on it anyway.  So I thought I'd wait until I need it and then I could make a more informed decision as I would know the occasion I wanted to use it for.

Do you notice anything you may have seen recently?..............Yes, that's right,  I used the white flower and golden ornate disc from the lovely fimo pieces that Linda W. sent to me, didn't they go well with the overall colour scheme (and no I didn't plan it that way, they were chosen after).  The only adjustment I made to Linda's fabulous designs was to add a touch of pink to the end of the petals of the flower (hope you don't mind Linda).
Here's a side view to show you a little more of the dimension.

Well that's it for today, but before I go I wonder if I may draw your attention to a new blog that one of our own, Sue (planetsusie) has recently started:-  http://susiesplanet.blogspot.co.uk.  Yesterday she gave us a little view of her 'minature world' and it is so cute I thought you may be interested to see it; I know she would love to have your opinions if you can spare a minute or two to pop over.

Ok, I am off to get some sleep as it's 7.42am and I am getting bleery eyed now (with that in mind, please excuse any daft mistakes).   Have a good day all.  I just hope it's nicer where you are, as in Torfaen, S.Wales, UK we are having horrid rain AGAIN!!!
Bye for now.    Linda xx