Aster Die

Good morning friends, and welcome to Lydia my newest follower. Glad you are here Lydia and hope you enjoy what you see.

I have been wanting the SB Heartfelt Creations Delicate Aster die for some time but kept telling myself I had enough. In the end I couldn't resist any longer and it arrived this morning, hence I had to use it straight away. Well you do, don't you?

My Card

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I already had an idea what I was going to do today - and using the aster was not part of that plan!!  However I cut three of the second size and added them to my card in place of what I was going to use.  My card is approximately 6 x 6 " and made from some cream card stock.  I ran a piece of brown card stock through Couture Creations "Damask" embossing folder.  I then die cut another piece of brown card with  SB Borderabilities Bracket Borders One.  The striped card stock is from First Edition "Daydream".  I then just added a few pink pearls and some card candi to the aster to finish . This card is nothing like it started out but I'm not unhappy with it.

Well that's all for today. See you again soon. 

Note Pads

Hello all my crafty friends. First of all I would like to say "Hello and welcome" to Anneke, my newest follower. Hope you are liking what you see and that you keep coming back. I will be visiting you too.

My Project

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I bought these little notepads in the Range when I was visiting my sister. They are approximately 8¼ x 2¾ inches in size and there were four in the pack for just under £1.  They have no front and only a flimsy back so I added a piece of thin card to the back to strengthen them and then made the front covers, all  from my scrap box.  Another great way to use up all the odd bits and pieces.  I can  hear you saying "But you are only showing three" - that's because I don't know what I have done with the fourth one! Lol!  One minute it was there and the next minute - poof!  Disappeared into thin air.  This one hasn't got butterflies on so it can't have flown off  by itself. I've obviously covered it with something and it will turn up soon enough no doubt.  I think they are an ideal size for shopping lists and decided they will make handy little stocking fillers, or more little gifts to keep on hand. There were some other sizes so I think I will get some more and do something similar.

Edited post to include the pad that had gone AWOL!

I didn't get chance to craft yesterday ( made these last night and took pictures this morning) because I have been helping John to sort some stuff out in the garden. He hates it when he hears me say "I've had an idea John" because he knows it's going to mean lots of work - for him!  Well, I can't let him get bored now can I? He says his list of jobs never gets any shorter because as soon as he crosses one finished project off I add another one to the list. I really have just had a brilliant idea but I don't think he is quite ready for this one yet, since the last one ended up being much more involved than I anticipated! But he does like to stretch himself and he likes to have a project on the go, and I am a very obliging wife! Lol!

Well that's it from me today. Hope you all have a good day.  

Origami Box With Lid

Hi Everybody. I thought I would have a change from making cards and since I haven't made one of these boxes for ages I decide I would play with some card.

My Project

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The card stock I used is from the Dream Catcher pad by First Edition and I used the 12 x 12 size so my finished box measures approximately 5 inches square and just over 3 inches high.  Obviously you can make this any size you wish.  I have made so many of these now that it comes very easily, but if you have never made one and would like to try yourself Christina, from "Card Making Magic" and "Flowers Ribbons and Pearls", has a great tutorial here.

I wanted to use the card the opposite way  but I didn't have the right card stock that would tone in and make the lid.  This way looks quite bold, whereas it would be more delicate the other way. The lace, ribbon and pearls have all been in my stash for ages so I have no idea where they were from. The leaves are Spellbinders and Cheery Lynn. The cherry blossoms are from the Hobby House and the other roses are from Hobbycraft.

I like to make these little gifts and gift boxes so that if I need anything unexpectedly  I am not caught out.  I have been stuck in the past, but you learn the hard way don't you?  Well that's been experience anyway.

I hope you all enjoy your day, whatever you happen to be doing.  

Love and hugs from Christine xx

Yet Another Teenage Card.

Hello friends and fellow bloggers.  Thanks for joining me again today.  I'm sorry if you are a bit fed up with teenage birthday cards, but this is the last one, I promise. For now anyway, Lol! But who can tell what the future may bring?

My Card

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As you can see this card was for my sister to give to Charlotte.  It is a Papermania 7 x 5  stepper card.  I always find these cards extremely difficult to photograph because they end up looking totally out of proportion.

The image is a pre-coloured digi image "Good Girl"  from Paper Shelter, although I did use Promarkers to colour the dog so that it looked just like my sister's Yorkie Molly, and Charlotte adores her. I worked from a photo and Jeanie reckons I got the colouring pretty spot on. The digi papers are from the Coconut Ice Christmas range from Pink Gem Designs.  The two different shades of jade card are Core'dinations. The flowers are Britannia rose dies, the leaves Cheery Lynne Flourish Leaf Strip and the doily is Cheery Lynn Canadian Kaleidoscope doily die.  I decorated the insides of all three of these cards, but I always forget to take the picture of them.  You can get a sneak peak at this one though. The little pink pearls are from my stash and the jade green Sparklets are from Kaisercraft  and I bought them at  A Maze Of Memories.   It is a bit far to travel to this shop but I will certainly be going back when I can. They are incredibly friendly and almost the moment I walked through the door I was offered a drink.  Such a nice touch.

Well that's it from me. Have a lovely day. Love and hugs from Christine xx

Super Duper Teenage Daughter

Hello friends, here is the second of my teenager birthday cards. This one was for Darren to give to Charlotte. I can show them with no problems now because her birthday was on Saturday.

My Card

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I used a fancy stepper card from Craftwork Cards for this card.  The papers are digi papers which I have had for a few years but unfortunately I don't know where they are from.  They are matted onto blue pearlescent card stock.  The image is a ready coloured one from Pink Gem Designs -"Emma in Flowered Jeans", matted onto SB Labels 8 which was die cut onto the blue pearlescent card stock.  The flourish and butterflies are SB Jewel Flowers and Flourishes.  The leaves are Cheery Lynne Wreath Strip. The flowers are WOC cosmos daisies which I coloured with Promarkers to match.  The blue ribbon was from my stash and I covered the knot with Card Candy.  I computer generated the sentiment ans matted it on to SB Lacy Circles.

I think it looks quite clean and fresh looking.  Of the three I  made this is John's favourite and I think it is probably my favourite too.

I seem to be having a few problems with my blog.  My Followers pictures have disappeared.  When I went into layout it looks as if it should be there, it shows the favicon for Followers, but they certainly aren't showing on the actual blog.  Blogger can be such a pain at times, and we can waste so much time on it! Hopefully they will reappear at some stage! I'll have to get John to take a look for me - he's pretty good with computers.

Have a good day. Love and hugs from Christine xx

Christmas Card Club Challenge - Anything Goes

Good morning one and all.  We had some rain yesterday so all my rain barrels are nicely filled up -all five of them!  I can now spare a bit of water for you Jenny! Lol!  I cannot believe how quickly these two week challenges come round. I had to double check the calendar because I was sure it was next week.  I have had such a busy week that I am glad that it's Anything Goes this time so that I didn't have to think too much.  I have actually made three very simple cards.

My Cards

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I usually make special cards for family and close friends and then try to think of something quite simple which can be duplicated easily and also can be changed slightly each time because I really don't like making them the same. This could well be a contender this year because the verse, the colours, the embossed strip and the embellishments can all be easily changed and yet still be a very quick and simple card to make. The cards are A6 in size and I just cut A4 card in two and folded it. Everything else was out of my bits box.  I tend to keep so much but often it does come in handy. The offcuts of the different embossing folders were in there and the piece of blue starry paper - which I have no idea from whence it came!  Also the bits of gold miri, and the lavender and blue Bazzill card stock were in there.  It's always quite satisfying to use up bits isn't it?  The mini poinsettias are Wild Orchid Crafts  and the pearls are from my stash.  It is very strange but the photograph makes it look as if I have used the de-bossed sides rather than the embossed side, particularly the Swiss Dots.  Very odd!

I forgot to say yesterday that as Darren was just about to set off home we had a phone call from my niece (also from the north east) saying that she and her boyfriend were staying with his parents in Bedford and since they were going to Blenheim Palace (about 50 mins away) would it be okay if they came to see us.  So it was a mad dash round with the hoover and duster and then scrabble through the freezer for something to make a half decent meal.  But it was great to see them and meet the boyfriend, who turned out to be a lovely guy - so he got my seal of approval!  So Saturday, after going into town to replenish the larder and freezer, was very much a relaxation day.  I felt I deserved it - which is why, when I left a comment on her post last night,  I said I was ready to join Kate (Cuilliesocks) in a G&T!!

I hope you all enjoy the rest of the weekend.  Love and hugs from Christine xx

Entered into:
http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/chnc-challenge-extra-for-august.html
http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/87-anything-but-birthday-card.html
http://stampingforpleasure.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/rudolph-day-august-2013.html
http://pixiescraftyworkshop.blogspot.ca/2013/08/pixies-crafty-snippets-playground-week_25.html

Officially A Teenager

Good morning dear friends and fellow bloggers.  It's nice to be back.  I have really enjoyed having my nephew and his children here, but it's always nice to have your house - and your time! - back again.  It's incredible how quiet it is.  I feel I need to go jumping up and down the stairs or something. Lol!

My Card

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I'm sorry that my picture is so poor.  This is the second one I have taken, which is a bit better.  This is the first of three cards that I have made for Charlotte who, as you can see, becomes a teenager today. She has been very excited about this particular birthday and really couldn't wait for it.  I will show the other two over the next couple of days.

The image is a pre-coloured WhoopsiDaisy digi which was printed onto white cardstock and then I brushed over some chalks to take away the stark whiteness and  die cut it with SB Labels 10.  I  used left over pieces of card stock from my bit box. The pink card and the spotted card are from First Edition "Love Letters" pad. The turquoise pearlescent card and the burgundy card have been hanging around for a while so I don't know where they are from. The butterflies are Fly Stickers from Hobbycraft and the blue gemstones are also from Hobbycraft. I computer generated the sentiment using Candy Buzz btn font.

Well that's all for today.  I washed all the bedding yesterday evening after they left so now I need to get it all ironed - not my favourite job I have to say.

Have a good start to the weekend everybody.

Love and hugs from Christine xx

Green Monotone

Good morning my crafty friends.  This will be a quick post this morning. John is still messing around with my computer so I was unable to do this last night. Just as well I'm an early riser.

My Card

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My card is 6 x 6 inches.  The backing papers are actually two different papers but in the picture they look the same.  They are from the Papermania pad Lucy Cromwell.  The frame and sentiment are JustRite Stamps Grand Sentiments and this particular frame is designed to work with SB Resplendent Rectangles.  I stamped them onto the smaller patterned paper with Brilliance pigment ink pad Pearlescent Jade.  The larger diecut and the Memory Box Fabulous Plox have been cut from Cordinations card.  Some pearls from my stash finished it off.

The reason my post is short and sweet is because my nephew and his children will be arriving around 1 pm and I have quite a few things to get done before they arrive.  Not least baking the cakes that the children love!  I hope the weather stays fine for their visit because they have lots of plans, as always!!

My crafting and blog visiting will probably be a bit haphazard but I will be around when I can.  Hope you all have a fabulous day.

Love and hugs from Christine xx

Sister

Good morning to you all. I have been busy over the last couple of days helping John outside.  We have some gravel beds which have got rather out of control over the last couple of years and they get quite a few weeds in, even with that black weed control fabric stuff.  I must admit that last year I didn't pay as much attention as I should have done either.  Anyway John decided to take up all the gravel, line the beds with concrete and replace the gravel.  It's amazing how much soil was in there.  Where on earth does it all come from? Whoops, sorry - no pun intended! Anyway, my job was to sieve all the gravel and replace it into the beds.  Pretty back breaking work I can tell you!  I'm not killing myself - I'm doing some, having a break, doing a bit more, having a longer break and so it goes on. Well there are other things to do with your life.  I've had to fit in a bit of blog hopping etc. Lol! His job is much harder than mine obviously because all the grouting on the patios needs redoing too. Well, he likes being busy!! Just as well - I always have a long list of stuff that needs doing!

I have another card which I made this week but cannot show just yet. Instead I am showing the birthday card  I made for my sister last year before I started my blog so it hasn't been shown.

My Card

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This an A5 card  which I made from hammered card stock.  The pyramage topper is Kanban and I think the backing card is too, but I wouldn't swear to it.  The silk flowers were from my stash and fastened together with gemstone brads.  I made the sentiment panel removable so that it could be used as a bookmark.  The ribbon and blue pearls were also from my stash.  I still have some of these toppers left and I came across them when I was looking for something else - as you do!- and it reminded me about this card. 

They have been threatening us with rain over the past few days but so far nothing has materialised. And it is still quite warm too. I would like some rain overnight please - if the rain god is listening!

Take care and have a good day.

Love and hugs from Christine xx

Tea For Two

Hi everybody.  Hope this finds you all well. Thanks for paying me a visit. I really look forward to reading all the comments that are left. Today is my elder sister's birthday and also her wedding anniversary - Happy birthday Judith and happy anniversary.
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Today's card is one I made for my sister Jeanie, which I left with a little gift for her. We certainly did some - lots!! - of sipping tea and gossiping!  We also allowed  ourselves a few treats (well, it was a holiday!) but despite that I came home having lost 1½ lbs! She has a little miniature Yorkshire terrier, Molly, who loves her walks. Despite being very small she sets a fabulous pace. It certainly isn't a stroll I can tell you. Twice a day dog walking  was just the thing to work off those extra pounds I would otherwise have stored up! Roll on next time!

My Card

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This is a 5 x 7 inch tent fold card. The blue striped backing paper is a digi paper which I have had for many years. I bought it from LOTV when they were doing digi papers, but they didn't do it for very long. The image is a topper, also from LOTV . This is another one I have had for what seems like forever, but it seemed to be very appropriate. The roses are WOC and the teapot charm is from the Ribbon Girl. Then I just added some ribbon and pearls. Nice and easy card.

Just before I left to go to my sister's I received an email which put a virus onto my computer. Poor John spent most of the week trying to sort it out. It seemed to attach itself itself to my photo editing software programme Microsoft Picture It and the firewall, or anti-virus stuff, or whatever it is, (you can just tell how technical I am can't you?)  isolated it and quarantined it and it was impossible to reinstall. While I was away John downloaded a free version of Gimp but I really liked my Picture It software, so my lovely man bought me a new version of the software, much more up to date, ( Version 7 whereas mine was so old it was Version 2!) and installed it for me. Obviously it is a bit different which is why yesterday's picture did not enlarge properly. I think I have sussed that part out now so it should work properly now! I have my fingers crossed as I type this - not a very easy thing to do let me tell you! ROFL! I'll also have to check out Gimp when I get chance.

Well that's it from me for today.  Take care and enjoy your day.

Love and hugs from Christine xx

CCC Challenge - "Oh Carol"

Good morning dear friends and fellow bloggers. Hope this finds you all fit and well and creative!  I have just spent a fabulous week with my sister in the north east!  Lots and lots of gossip and giggles!!!  I do wish we lived nearer to each other, but we do have a fabulous time when we get together so I mustn't be greedy!  I had no access to computer or t'internet and I also  had a craft-free week.  It was all very relaxing.

This morning I am back with a card for the Christmas Card Club Challenge.  Today's choice was made by Asha and the remit was "Oh Carol - your favourite carol or festive tune".  The carol I have chosen to depict is "Away in A Manger".  It isn't actually my favourite -  although I do love it.

My Card

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Inside

Rather a lot of pictures I'm afraid, but I tried to show the card from each side, and unfortunately the sun reflected off the mirri card.

My closed card is 6" x 6 ". The image and sentiment I have used are digi stamps from Pink Gem Designs, coloured with Promarkers and diecut with SB Lacy Circles.  I have made a gate fold card which I haven't done for ages so it made a nice change.  I used Centura Pearl and gold mirri card.  I used the Swiss Dots folder from Cuttlebug for the  sides of the gate fold. After diecutting the flowers and leaves I added lots of glitter. The label was die cut from SB Fancy Tags.  Gold gem stones finished off the front of the card.  I don't always decorate the inside of my cards unless it's for a special occasion but  I made a feature inside this one because of the gate fold effect.

I am now looking forward to visiting all your blogs again and seeing what everybody has been up to during my absence!!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Love and hugs from Christine xx

Entered into:
http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/chnc-challenge-extra-for-august.html

http://christmascardsallyearround.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/august-challenge.html
http://deepoceanchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/challenge-57-christmas-in-july.html
http://craftinboutiquechallenges.blogspot.pt/2013/08/christmas.html
http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/challenge-92-anything-goes.html
http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/cute-christmas.html

65th Birthday

Hello everybody,

This year has been an epic one for me regarding milestone birthdays - most of them male!!  Initially this was quite a challenge but I think I have got over the panic of a man's card now.  I'll never be as comfortable as with female ones, but they don't hold the same terror for me as they did! Just as well since I have two more 70th cards to do in October.  I had a male 70th this week for John's cousin and popped it into the mail before I realised I hadn't photographed it. That's twice recently! Old age catching up fast I'm afraid.  But not quite as fast as my sister (not the one I will be staying with next week) who reaches a milestone too.

My Card

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As you can see my sister will be 65, although I'm not sure she will thank me for displaying her age.  Lol!

I used Marianne Creatable die Anja Squares and used every die in the set except for the centre flower die. Instead I used SB Parisian accents so that I could add a sentiment label.  I matted it onto card stock that I had embossed with SB Garden Lattice.  All it needed then were the pearls to embellish. I have changed the pearls on the sentiment  label since I took the picture but I didn't re-take it. It was bad enough the first time because it so dark and overcast it was difficult to get a decent picture and I didn't want to use flash. Yesterday I had the exact opposite problem - the sun was so bright that it again made the photograph difficult to take.  You just cannot win.

Tonight we are off to St Albans to celebrate John's cousin's birthday - the card I forgot to photograph. It's going to be a busy journey because the celebration starts at 6.30 - 7pm. Getting round the M25 would be a nightmare at that time so we'll have to find a different route.

Have a good day whatever your plans are.

Love and hugs from Christine xx

Gift Box

Good morning. I know I haven't been posting but I have been rather busy all the same. I am going up north to visit my sister at the weekend and it is her granddaughter's birthday in a few weeks. Charlotte is very exciting at the prospect of becoming a teenager at last. I have been making cards for my sister, my nephew and myself so that I can take them up at the weekend and not worry about putting them in the mail. I cannot post them on my blog until after Charlotte's birthday because she visits my blog at times.

When I was in Sainsbury's last week they were selling their candles etc at half price so I bought a few boxes so that I could use them as little gifts and make pretty boxes for them.

My Card

These little scented votives are Primrose and Peony so I picked up the two colours and made the box. They smell absolute gorgeous! I cut an oval from the lid, added SB Floral Ovals to the front and a piece of acetate behind. The corners are Cuttlebug and the border round the edge is Martha Stewart Doily Lace border. The flowers are all Wild Orchid Crafts and I coloured them with Promarkers so they matched and then added some leaves from Cheery Lynn. I finished with some Dovecraft scalloped ribbon and added some pearls. 

I was going to post a card today but I can pop that on tomorrow instead. 

Have a good day. It's going to be hot again!!

Love and hugs from Christine xx