Sweet Dreams

YES I know I have mega designing to do for YTOC projects and ..........YES I know I have plums and apples that won't wait much longer to be cooked and frozen, NOT to mention the ton of zucchini waiting to be made into bread.......BUT I JUST had to get this page out of my head (and my system) before I could move forward.

Now that it's finished I'm not sorry that I did and I feel soooooo much better for it!

My daughter Jess bought me these lovely Imaginisce designer papers from the 'fairest of them all' range and I knew when I saw them that I had taken shots of Maddy on a sleepover at Grandma's wearing one of her Disney Princess nightgowns that would be just perfect.

This is not my usual kind of page so I don't quite know where it came from but it works for me. I started it last night and eventually went to bed but woke up this morning thinking about it - how sad does that sound?

Jess also got me several glittery chipboard accents that I think were supposed to go with the cupcake range she gave me. While I would NEVER normally buy anything like this I had fun using these and might just re-consider next time. I stamped delicate pink swirls on my background paper and then added glue and fine clear glitter to make the page tie in with the glittery accents. It looks quite harsh up close but in real life it's soft and delicate which is just as well.

I used my trusty computer to add text to the page as I do with pretty much all of them - looks so much better. I decided to add the names of some of the Disney Princesses along the bottom of the page. Maddy can name them but DON'T ask her which is her favourite - they are ALL her favourite right now.

I wanted a lace feel to the page but decided against using a MS border punch (maybe I have OD'd on them a bit lately) so instead I used that lovely 'holey' paper from Capture the Magic that was a bit pricey. I bought just one sheet in white so I could ink it up to whatever colour I needed and this piece now has lovely delicate shades of pink here and there.

I have to smile when I look at this page cos Maddy stayed with me a few weeks back and I read her a princess story before tucking her in for the night. I always did the voices when I read to my girls but she just kept laughing at Grandma. I asked mummy the next day and she said she's stopped doing the voices cos Maddy laughs so much they both end up laughing and then she can't go on with the story!

What a funny, silly little bean she can be sometimes.

I hope Jess that you like what I did with my first play with these lovely fairytale papers. I promise I will use the fairytales & castles page with the cute matching rubber stamps next time - honest. Thanks again for gettin them for me.

Mini Card Tutorial

I was slap bang in the middle of a clean up session in my craft room today when I just happened to run across a few scraps, buttons and bits that I thought might look good together. See what you think.

I thought a tutorial was long overdue. Forgive me if you think this is a bit too basic but I know gals who craft yet don't make cards who would love to have an easy project like this.

This is what I began with - a mat with inch measurements, a clear ruler with steel on one edge for cutting against (or you could use a trimmer or old fashioned ruler, pencil and scissors), a craft knife, scissors, a scrap of plain card stock, a scrap of designer paper, a few smaller scraps of paper, a scrap of punched scallop, stamped and hand cut flowers, buttons and embellishments, scrap of ribbon or trim and of course adhesive tape to stick it altogether..

Here's what I did to create this sweet mini card.

First I trimmed my black card to measure 7" x 3.5" and then folded it in half.

Next I took a scrap of my patterned paper (remember this could simply be a trimming off another project) and adhered it across the card using double sided tape and leaving plenty of space top and bottom. Then I trimmed the excess. I do this from the reverse because its easier to see where to cut and to cut straight.

Then I added a scrap of punched border I had to hand.

WHAT to do if you don't have a punch - use a straight edged piece of co-ordinating paper OR use a corner punch to create a scalloped edge (see photo below) OR use decorative scissors OR punch small circles, cut in half and lined up along the lower edge of your scrap OR draw a straight line (on reverse of paper to hide pencil lines) and place a button or penny half on the line, draw around it, move it along, draw around it and so on and so on, then free hand cut a scallop. Any one of these methods should work just as well.

If you haven't yet invested in a corner punch try getting one that has a plastic guide that can be removed. Once removed you can now punch scallops along a straight edge rather than a corner. This allows you to avoid decorative scissors which can sometimes be tricky to line up and gives you 2 effects from one tool making it much more economical too. These can be found at most craft stores but YTOC stock them and will happily show you how to do this technique if you ask when purchasing one.

Using a corner rounder on the edges adds an extra touch to your handmade card. I personally don't like hard lines and harsh edges so I have collected at least a half dozen corner rounders over the years but this yellow one is my personal favourite. The green one is the next size up - I must get that one some time!

Next you can tie a scrap of ribbon around the front and secure into a knot, then trim the ends to neaten. Knots happen to still be trendy but if you prefer a bow tie a knot first; that way you're not fighting to keep the ribbon tight. If you really struggle with this add a thin piece of adhesive tape behind your ribbon to keep it in place whilst you tie.

Now you're ready to add an embellishment of some kind. You can use die cut shapes, pre-purchased shapes or embellishments, punched shapes, stamped images or even hand doodled flowers. An inexpensive set like this (YTOC) has multiple uses for mini cards and at £4.99 is a reasonable investment. Whatever method you choose try using a scrap of patterned paper rather than plain to add further interest.

Here is a flower that I doodled myself. The trick is to go around with the pen twice and it looks better if the lines aren't neat! Note - I also added pen stitches to the pink border instead of ribbon. It really doesn't have to be expensive to craft.

For a 3D element add a button or similar type embellishment to the middle of your flower and your card is essentially done. How cute!

Ok so now you could just stop there but I NEVER give a card without a liner (so unprofessional ladies) so cut yourself a piece of paper measuring 6 3/4 " x 3 1/4". Fold this in half and round lower corners if you used this method on your card.

Add some adhesive tape to the inner crease of the card and gently tuck the liner into the crease then fold the card to secure in place. Now you are completely finished!

I went ahead and made another sample to show you the difference. Yes I like the one that used the border punch and ribbon better but it just goes to show you don't have to have lots of fancy things to create cute cards. The 'love' on the pink card was a cheap and cheerful peel off.

I have an envelope tutorial here on the blog to make square envelopes so check that out too.

Why not make 4 or 6 of these cute mini cards all the same, add envelopes, wrap in clear cellophane, tie with a pretty ribbon and add a tag featuring one of the flowers and the words 'handmade note cards' or 'handmade especially for you' and you have a lovely handmade gift item.

Put together the pre-cut elements into a decorated box, basket or small tin and you have a handmade card kit to give. If you give this gift along with a made up card then the recipient will have a sample to work from. This is great for gift giving to fellow crafters that you know and especially nice for someone just starting out. You could even include a corner punch as part of the kit!

Hope you've found this tutorial helpful. Happy crafting!

Addition for Jess' Craft Space

Today Dave and I spent some time out and about. They may not be everyone's cup of tea but I'm not a bit ashamed to admit I love checking out local charity shops and yard sales. I get my best boxes, baskets, and other bits I can use with my crafting this way and help someone else out in the bargain.

Today I picked up a couple of bits that might not seem too exciting but since Jess (youngest daughter) now has a blog and recently shared a photo of her craft space I knew she might like them.

Jess you have first refusal on these bargains. After seeing your craft space I thought maybe these cute wooden drawers might tuck back on top of the desk and hold lots of frequently used bits. I also got the set of 3 pails which I thought might sit on top of the drawers and hold scissors, rulers, craft knife, pens etc so they are also within easy reach.

I did treat myself to something today as well. I found this box of 10 jars which are a mini version of the ones I use to store my ribbon in. They work out at just over 50p per jar which I think is a bargain! I am gonna spend a little while transferring all my buttons into these. I just might have to go get 10 more unless I mix up the colours.

The Cath Kidston catalogue has also been ordered for you so you should get that in a few days time. You're gonna love it - trust me - I'm your mother.

If anyone else is a fan of Cath Kidston and would like to order a free catalogue or locate your nearest store you can check it out here: http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/e-maginus.shops.storedetails.aspx?shopid=2

More Sneak Peeks

I stopped into YTOC after work today to pick out papers and accessories for a few up coming projects and classes. Amanda has some new papers in direct from the US that I positively drooled over, especially the ladybugs OMG! - but I couldn't let myself get distracted. Amanda is getting to know me real well cos she knew I would make a bee line for just that design first and she was right. I soooooo want to be playing with those papers!

I wanted to share a smattering of the fab Bo Bunny papers I plan to design with over the bank holiday weekend. I have posted new class dates (list on right) so you might want to CHECK THEM OUT! I know you don't want to hear it but we're just about in September so Christmas is just around the corner. With that in mind several of the projects have been geared toward Christmas even though they'd suit anytime of the year.

This first sample is from the 'Believe' range and I will be using it for the October 20 projects. The colours for this were inspired by the front sheet which should work brilliantly with what I have in mind. And don't forget there are additional designs on the reverse of these designer papers too.

I am really pleased about this next combination and loved the way it all seemed to come together. These papers are for the October 6 project. Just in case you think you're seeing more MS punches in my collection - you're not - these ones are just on loan from YTOC but I simply cannot be held responsible if I get hooked on a few more after using them.

While I love the blue and red colour scheme I am also lovin' the use of chocolate brown which should help pick that colour out of the design itself. These are from the 'Tis the Season' range and for me they sit somewhere between vintage and modern Christmas without leaning too far either way so I think that's why I love em'. The reverse of the two snowflake papers is red & blue polka dots and you know I love polka dots! Add these to the other papers and this project is gonna look fab. You better believe anyone who hasn't yet tried the MS punches is gonna love using them in this class.

This last combo has been taken from the 'Flutter Butter' range which has to be seen in full to be really appreciated and has to be one of my favourites. On the reverse we have a delicate blue with a grid overlay and a buttermilk yellow version of the green and brown spotty swirls. I am using that lovely buttermilk yellow as my base with the brown as my matting layer, the green, blue and yellow as accents and this divine spotty floral as my feature paper.

This is going to be used on the all day workshop

For those of you unfamiliar with Bo Bunny (or if you just want to check out some of the fab papers coming in to YTOC any day now you can get a good look here. http://bobunny.com/summer09release.html

I am beginning to get even more EXCITED now that I have projects, papers, colour schemes and some wonderful creative ideas 'running a muck' in my head. All I have to do now is tuck myself away in my craft room and PLAY!!!!!

JUST HOW MUCH CAN A GIRL STAND!

And...

......as if that wasn't enough I started a cute page of Maddy this morning using some of those girly Imaginisce papers Jess got me and I'm determined to finish that too this weekend. Just as well I have a few extra days booked off I guess - I just may need them.

Sneak Peek

I wasn't going to put any of this project on my blog because it may well be an upcoming workshop item although not with a 'Hello Kitty' theme of course - that's just me being drawn to this little cutie pie. Anyhow I figure I can share a snippet without giving anything too much away.

I made it for Maddycakes for when she has her 'Hello Kitty' themed b'day party but I'm not tellin' what it is yet.

As you can see I used a similar decoration as her b'day card I featured in an earlier post. I need to finish working on some of it but since my gems and faux dewdrops are still drying it'll have to sit for the time being and I can finish the rest later.

I will post dates of upcoming classes in the next few days as I've just about worked out new dates and projects at YTOC, two in October and two in November plus the all day workshop in October that I think may just have one or two spaces left and then I'm done for the year.

WOW where did this year go?

Who's Got the Button?

Hey Mom - I've been waiting since your e-mail to say this so here goes -

Button, button who's got the button? You got the button - I got the button - we both got the button!

I wanna know have you used yours yet? I'm lovin' this punch already!

It's an inside joke so for everyone elses benefit I should explain that I set mom a challenge to find a Martha Stewart button punch after I fell head over heels when I saw it used on a card recently. Like a real trooper mom took up the challenge and then sent me an e-mail entitled - button, button who's got the button - which of course she did - two in fact, one for her and the girlies (sisters-in-love who craft) and one for ME!

Today I got a package - a larger one than expected in fact. Mom couldn't you find a smaller box for one little punch?

I then thought well maybe there's more than 1 little punch in the box but when I shook it, it rattled like it was just the one punch. The size of the box made me smile.

And then I laughed when I finally opened it up and this punch was dwarfed by packaging - but hey it got here in one wonderful piece and that's what counts huh mom?

I took it out of the packaging and decided I had to see how it worked up close and for real. Aren't these just the cutest 'paper' buttons! They're sooooooo life like too. It's kinda weird punching them cos they don't make the same sound a regular punch does - they kinda cut silently and then emboss. I have definately OD'd on MS punches in the last couple of weeks and have had to sort a basket to keep them in so they're all together and close to hand. I think they're gonna be firm favourites for a long time to come.

In fact I am challenging myself to use them on a project tomorrow. Mom I sure hope you've used yours already.

My 'thank you' gift list is growing so now I have to come up with something pretty awesome to send you back in return - guess you better watch your mail box :-)

Jessy's Thank You Gift

I knew I wanted to make my daughter Jessica a thank you gift for all the yummy papers and scrapbooking goodies she has given me recently but I hadn't decided on what to do until I checked an e-mail and discovered one of these cute albums. I subscribe to most of the sites I check regularly which means that every time they post something new I get an e-mail telling me. That way I don't miss anything.

In case you're not yet aware I have this same SUBSCRIBE feature here on my blog too. If you haven't signed up DO! That way you won't miss a single thing when I post.

Anyhow Jess had given me these colourful summer papers and I know she meant for me to use them but in a round about way I did. I chose them because I was sure she'd have a ton of summer photos to put in this album.

Well it doesn't look too amazing right now but I just know she's gonna 'flip' for it.

You can just about see the lovely shiny embossed details in the paper (flip flop lower right of photo). The ice cream and lolly are the same but it didn't reflect in this photo. The paper is from the Imaginisce range that she got me. I am lovin this range right now.

OK so this is the spine of the album with an accordian detail so it spreads out once opened.

And this is the exciting part with all the many mini page sections that flip out when it's opened up. Some go in one direction and some go in the other direction and the idea is that you can add photos to one or both sides. It looks a mess right now and previously when I've seen this kind of album I have never been very inspired, but with photos in it really takes on a whole new look which is what finally won me over.

I have deliberately left it 'naked' because she is a crafter too and she is gonna love adding her photos and embellishments to complete this album. She treated herself to a new digital camera recently so has some lovely photos already. I was sorely tempted to round the corners - so many harsh edges and I like things to be smooth and flow if possible - but it's not mine to mess with!

Since she asked me to die-cut a whole bunch of things for her to play with I plan to die-cut some fun things like the Sizzix ice-cream/cupcake die (I have NEVER actually used this die) and other summer related items. I may well add a pocket or two inside the covers for momentos cos I know she keeps ticket stubs etc. Can you imagine cute tags?

For my first attempt - without exact measurements I might add, cos the site I saw it on sells them in kit form and I wasn't in a buying mood - I think I did ok. I learnt a few things for the next one and despite having to work out measurements as I went it came together in about an hour.

I hope she 'FLIPS' for it cos I loved making it for her. I also hope I get to see the finished album when she's done.

Thetford Craft Show

WOW what a day today was! To start with I didn't sleep a wink most of last night so I was starting the day real tired. Add to that the fact that it was a beautifully hot day, scorching almost and I was inside in the sweltering heat. I kid you not - customers had beads of sweat dripping down their faces and I felt stuck to my chair - YUK!

Anyhow I said I would show photos so here they are.

OK so I know neither Amanda or myself will like this photo but you know what - whatever I look like on the outside I am still very much me on the inside so I decided a couple of years ago to just get over it and deal with. This time around we all had these bright doodlebug aprons so we really felt like a team.

This was my spot for the day, surrounded by samples using various products and with just enough room to craft.

Here is a close up shot of just a few of the samples. We were giving free instructions for this pink bag (hearts) up front or for a box (shown in an earlier post) if customers purchased 2 or more products from my samples and the samples around the stall. They had a surprisingly wide choice.

As is typical whenever I purchase craft items stateside that I simply cannot get here they invariably turn up although not usually so fast! These are the newer Martha Stewart punches that Amanda has recently started stocking at YTOC. I didn't see my button punch featured here (or on any other stall that had them) but that's ok as I think my mom-in-love has it covered.

If you don't have one of these can I personally suggest that you get at least 1 - they are fab and have soooooo many uses. You only have to look closely at some of my samples to see how neat they are.

Here is Amanda again with just a fraction of the stall behind her. She stood on her feet pretty much all day since she has hurt her back and is feeling real poorly. Never the less she was a real trooper and soldiered on but I sure hope she (& me) get a good nights 'sound' sleep to help us feel better tomorrow.

Since we were giving instructions away to make this 'oh so cute' little bag I promised several gals I would post a better picture for them to look at. I was surprised just how many gals check my blog and also how many I recognised from the show earlier this year. I love to catch up with them and hear about the projects they've been doing - kinda like a crafting family. I love to hear their stories, share my knowledge and skills and hopefully inspire them to do even more fab crafting.

I wanted to share my two beautiful nieces from Idaho that feature in this sample project. It was lovely to use a different subject in photos for a change and how cute are these stamped flowers?

I couldn't share photos of the day without showing you the other half of our team modeling their FAB aprons. Rosina (left) and Kay (right) ran the bead stall this time around.

The stall was full of lovely beads for jewellery making. I love to just run my fingers through these when I'm wandering around the shop.

All in all it was a very full on day and is always a lot of work which is why I'm sure our entire team are very thankful it's not every day we do a show. The next big event is the 'all day workshop' in October but there are just a couple more spaces left if you want to be on that one. I'm sure I'll have several familiar faces in my classes.

Family Spells Love

No matter how you look at it family spells love so I just couldn't resist using an old favourite group photo in black and white for a design project. I was given some stamps by Amanda at YTOC to design with for the big show TOMORROW! Hope to see you there!

Anyhow I was playing with this flower design and decided I needed to do a project for myself to keep. I can still display it at the show but since I used ALL my own stuff - minus the stamp of course - I get to take it home with me and I know just what I'm gonna do with it too (will share later).

It's a super cute, super quick 8 x 8 page and I just love working on this size page. If you wanna get an album done do 8 x 8 and it goes together in a jiffy. Love, love, love working on a black background as well. The glittery black & white alphabet paper was in the stash from Jess (thanks Jess - love ya for it) and I knew I wanted to add colours to 'pop' off the page as long as they weren't too loud. It's hard to see in this photo but I inked in white around the edges of the black page which looks really cool up close and for real.

What started me on this page was when I was looking for buttons to add to the centre of these cute flowers on a card I had made. While I was looking I found the black word bubbles. As soon as I placed one in the centre of these flowers I knew I was gonna have to make something before I could move on. A little diversion never hurt anyone anyhow.

This flower set is the first one I opened and I think I'll make just one more quick project and then move swiftly on or I'm not gonna get any further today and I MUST!

I still have 3 other sets to go as yet. I am really looking forward to opening the circle texts next since I think that'll be real popular. Add these texts into the centre of flowers, make circle tags - who wouldn't want these plus they have a whole bunch of sentiments for your cards as well.

This is my last post until after the show tomorrow when I hope to share pictures of the day. I'm off to make a cuppa, recharge my energy with a handful of mini brownie bites YUMMY! and get back to it.

See you tomorrow :-)

Can You Believe These Are Peel-offs?

When Amanda gave me some of the new peel off designs to play with I have to admit I leaned toward the circles and dots but despite having made about 3 cards using them now I think I am beginning to change my mind.

I have always loved the look of paisley but been unsure sometimes how to use it. That being said I was a little nervous of using these new paisley peel offs. I needn't have worried - can you believe these are peel-offs? Aren't they just fab? And sooooo cheap and cheerful too!

Once I got into paisley and saw that I could re-create it I lost all fear. In fact I'd love to keep playing with these but when I stopped in at YTOC this afternoon Amanda gave me 4 new sets of stamps to play with for Sunday - OMG (oh my gosh) a girl can't do it ALL!

I decided to feature those MS border punches again, especially as we're taking them to the show. I don't know anyone who doesn't like to SEE what they can do with all these fab craft gadgets particularly if they're interested in buying them. I am constantly asked to demo the nestabilities and amazed at how many gals have them sitting at home unused simply because they don't quite know how they work!

I had to use my nestabilities dies for these cards. I simply built up my pattern of peel-offs on a reasonably sized piece of cardstock and then cut it out to the desired shape and size for my project. It doesn't matter that it goes off the edge as it adds to the design.


I've been using lots of 'add ons' like gems and faux dew drops lately so after I photographed my cards I decided to add something extra. I used a really small mini sized gem and then an even smaller 'micro' sized gem - I needed my glasses for those! I added some peel-off text from my stash and there you have it.

Well I guess since I have rubber stamps to play with I'd best try to get to it. I want to spend some time tomorrow packing my bag and organising a few sample projects to do at the show. I'm also hoping those lovely gals from StampinUp! will be there again this time around cos I want to do a make 'n' take when (if) I come up for air.

Home made Stamp Cleaner & Baby Wipes

Found this while I was blog hopping this evening and thought I'd share it.

Home made stamp cleaner that helps condition your stamps too! Amy Rysavy shares it in video step by step format which is much easier to follow.

Check it out here: http://prairiepaperandink.typepad.com/amyr/2009/08/making-your-own-stamp-cleaner-video.html

I am definately going to try this. It won't do StazOn but it'll do everything else.

If like me you use babywipes to clean up after crafting (hands, stamps, work surfaces etc.) then check out this post for a 'how to' on making your own economical version that I found some time ago (haven't tried it just yet).
http://stampinwithjulie.blogspot.com/2008/06/baby-wipes-kit.html

Julie shares a pretty packaging for a baby gift and if you look closely at the recipe card you can see just how to make baby wipes.

Let me know if you try one of these and they work.

My Darling Daughter!

My darling daughter has just stopped by for a visit after dropping her nephew off back home. She had Kaleb for a week and spoilt him rotten - wore him out more like!

She also came with lots of goodies for her mummy. What do ya think mom - is she still trying to make up for what I endured when she was a teenager? I think maybe she misses her mummy really and I know we would do more crafting together if she lived closer.

Anyhow look what yummy papers she got me.

This one is from the Imaginisce range and is soooooo adorable. It has embossed detailing on it. She has promised to get me the matching rub ons. Did I mention she has a Hobbycraft just 5 minutes walk from where she lives?

This one is from the same range. In fact there were several from this design label, all of them cute and all of which I would probably have chosen myself too. You actually ahve to 'feel' these papers to really appreciate the detailing.

This is the same line and features the princess design to match the stamps she picked up for me on her last visit. She's a shop-aholic I swear and she doesn't mind if she buys for herself or someone else (though I am always trying to get her to save her money instead). I will most likely use this set on a 'Maddy' page - who else?

She also shared an 8 x 8 paper pad with me and gave me a bunch of chipboard accents to go with them. She is a scrapbooker, not a card maker so she tends to stick to papers she knows she'll use. She didn't think she'd use these cupcake papers but I bet she would. She made cupcakes with Kaleb and gave several all wrapped up as a gift with beautiful ribbon. And like her mummy she took photos as well.

This next selection are super bright and I'm not sure I would've bought these ones myself but I have been seeing some super cute cards lately using similar coloured papers so I think they could work well. They'd go nicely with the nestability flower dies - hhhmmm? There were loads more but I simply can't play with any until the craft show at Thetford is over. How frustrating - so many lovely things lately and I can't play with them. I only managed to make 1 card for Amanda this evening so I'm falling behind and the weekend is only a couple of days away.

Tonight however I'm blaming it all on Jess. On her last visit I showed her how to set up a blog and this time round I showed her how to add posts and upload photos. Here she is updating her blog. We've linked to each other as followers so now we'll each get updates when we post. Facebook I DON'T do but BLOGGING is another matter altogether!

She is due to visit again mid September so I have time to get a few things put together as a treat for her in return. Mom I told her to send you a link to her blog so let me know if she doesn't.